AP Government civil liberties study guide

First Amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Due Process Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment; prohibits deprivation of life, liberty, or property without lawful process.

What is selective incorporation?

The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states via the 14th Amendment.

True or false: The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms.

True, because it states 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'

Difference between civil liberties and civil rights

Civil liberties protect individuals from governmental abuse; civil rights ensure equal treatment.

Writ of habeas corpus

Legal action requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge.

What landmark case established the exclusionary rule?

Mapp v. Ohio (1961) ruled that evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fill in the blank: The _____ Amendment protects freedom of speech.

First

Miranda Rights

Rights read to suspects, ensuring they know their rights before interrogation.

What is the Lemon Test?

A three-pronged test to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

True or false: The Death Penalty is banned in the U.S.

False, because the Supreme Court has upheld its constitutionality.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Supreme Court ruling that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment.

What does the Establishment Clause prohibit?

Government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Supreme Court case affirming students' rights to free speech in schools.

True or false: The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

True, it aims to protect against excessive penalties.

Difference between prior restraint and libel

Prior restraint prevents publication; libel is false damaging statements in print.

What is affirmative action?

Policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents illegal evidence from being used in court.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Supreme Court ruled that school-sponsored prayer violates the Establishment Clause.

What does the Ninth Amendment state?

The enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny others retained by the people.

Schneck v. United States (1919)

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for limits on free speech.

Fill in the blank: The _____ Amendment prohibits self-incrimination.

Fifth