Balancing Minority and Majority Rights - AP US Government and Politics
- What is the Equal Protection Clause?
- Prohibits states from denying equal protection. Part of 14th Amendment requiring fair treatment under law.
- What role does judicial review play in minority rights?
- Ensures laws do not infringe on minority rights. Courts can overturn laws violating constitutional protections.
- What is the significance of Obergefell v. Hodges?
- Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. 2015 ruling extending marriage equality nationwide.
- What is the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
- Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion. Landmark legislation ending legal segregation in public places.
- Which amendment guarantees the right to vote regardless of race?
- The 15th Amendment. Extended voting rights to African American men.
- Identify a constitutional amendment that protects minority rights.
- The 14th Amendment. Guarantees equal protection and due process to all citizens.
- What is affirmative action?
- Policies favoring groups historically marginalized. Compensates for past discrimination in education and employment.
- What does 'separation of powers' refer to?
- Division of government into branches. Legislative, executive, and judicial branches with distinct powers.
- What is the Lemon Test?
- Test for determining violation of the Establishment Clause. Three-part test for church-state separation issues.
- How does the Constitution limit majority power?
- Through checks and balances and separation of powers. Structural features prevent any group from gaining total control.
- Which clause prevents government from establishing a religion?
- Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Bars government from favoring or establishing official religion.
- What is the 'tyranny of the majority'?
- Majority uses power to oppress minorities. Concept warned against by Madison in Federalist 10.
- What is the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission?
- Enforce laws against workplace discrimination. Federal agency investigating and prosecuting employment bias.
- How does the Bill of Rights protect minorities?
- Limits government power, protecting individual rights. Creates barriers against government overreach and tyranny.
- What is the main goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act?
- Prohibit discrimination based on disability. Ensures accessibility and equal opportunities for disabled persons.
- Which clause is used to incorporate Bill of Rights to states?
- Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. Makes Bill of Rights apply to state governments.
- What is the significance of Roe v. Wade?
- Recognized a woman's right to choose abortion. Protected reproductive privacy under 14th Amendment.
- What is the purpose of minority rights in a democracy?
- Protect minorities from majority oppression. Prevents majority from trampling individual and group liberties.
- What is the main focus of Title IX?
- Prohibit gender discrimination in education. 1972 law ensuring equal access to educational programs.
- What does the term 'de facto segregation' refer to?
- Segregation by social factors, not law. Separation occurring through practice, not legal mandate.
- Which court case established 'separate but equal' doctrine?
- Plessy v. Ferguson. 1896 decision upholding racial segregation laws.
- What is the role of interest groups in democracy?
- Advocate for minority and majority interests. Organizations representing diverse viewpoints in political process.
- What is the main focus of the NAACP?
- Advocate for civil rights and racial equality. National Association for Advancement of Colored People.
- What is the purpose of checks and balances?
- Prevent any branch from dominating others. Constitutional system preventing concentration of power.
- What does the term 'pluralism' mean in politics?
- Diverse groups compete for power. Multiple groups sharing political influence rather than elite rule.
- Which amendment provides for women's suffrage?
- The 19th Amendment. Granted women the constitutional right to vote.
- What does 'equal protection under the law' mean?
- Laws must treat individuals equally. Government cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics.
- Which Supreme Court case emphasized minority rights protection?
- Brown v. Board of Education. Overturned 'separate but equal' doctrine in 1954.
- What does the Voting Rights Act of 1965 address?
- Prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Removed barriers preventing African Americans from voting.
- What does the term 'civil disobedience' mean?
- Nonviolent protest against unjust laws. Peaceful resistance to illegitimate government actions.
- Identify a method used to limit majority rule.
- Filibuster in the Senate. Senate procedure allowing unlimited debate to block votes.
- Which case established judicial review?
- Marbury v. Madison. 1803 case giving courts power to review laws.
- Which amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.?
- The 13th Amendment. Ended forced labor and involuntary servitude.
- Identify an example of a minority rights movement.
- Civil Rights Movement. 1950s-60s struggle for African American equality.
- How does the Supreme Court balance rights?
- Interprets Constitution to protect minority rights. Uses judicial review to check majority power.
- What is the principle of majority rule in a democracy?
- Decisions are made by a majority of the voters. Core democratic principle where more than half determines outcomes.
- How do civil liberties differ from civil rights?
- Liberties are protections from government; rights are equal treatment. Liberties limit government; rights ensure equal treatment.
- What is the importance of the First Amendment?
- Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press. Safeguards fundamental democratic freedoms from government.
- How does the Constitution address religious freedom?
- First Amendment prohibits state religion. Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses protect religious liberty.