1. The Federal Courts in History Equal Protection and Affirmative Action
Units
The Federal Courts in History
Equal Protection and
Affirmative Action
The Rights of the Accused
Students and the Constitution
The Expansion of Expression
Personal Liberty

2. The Federal Courts in History
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
United States v. Nixon (1974)

3. Constitutional Issues
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Key Question
Should the Supreme Court have the power to overturn unconstitutional federal laws?
Constitutional Issues
Judicial review
Separation of powers
Checks and balances

4. Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) Key Question
How did the two sides in Dred Scott analyze the same Founding documents and come to such different conclusions?
Constitutional Issues
Slavery
The definition of citizenship
Powers of Congress

5. United States v. Nixon (1974)
Key Question
Was the Constitution’s separation of powers intended to create an absolute executive privilege?
Constitutional Issues
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
The duties of the President