1. Chapter 4 The Supreme Court and the Constitution
Section 1
Judicial Review

2. Constitutional Terms landmark - event that marks a turning point
commission
- authorization to perform certain duties
writ of mandamus
- document that requires a public official to perform certain duties
Ex Parte
- “on behalf of”

3. Constitutional Terms Cont.
precedent
- legal decision that influences the rulings of later cases
writ of habeas corpus
- court order requiring the government to release a prisoner unless good cause can be shown
jurisdiction
- area of authority

4. -The Constitution does not specify the powers of the Supreme Court
Main Ideas
What does the Constitution say about the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review?
-The Constitution does not specify the powers of the Supreme Court

5. Main Ideas
What arguments did John Marshall use to support his opinion in the case of Marbury v. Madison?
- Marshall ruled that the Supreme Court’s power to issue a writ of mandamus was unconstitutional because only the Constitution (not Congress) should be able to give the Court this power. The Constitution said nothing about this.

6. Main Ideas
How did the 14th Amendment increase the power of the Supreme Court?
- increased it’s jurisdiction – they were allowed to declare state laws unconstitutional as well as federal laws

7. Chapter 4 The Supreme Court and the Constitution
Section 2
First Amendment Freedoms

8. Constitutional Terms establishment clause
- a part of the 1st Amendment prohibiting the government from setting up a national religion
free exercise clause
- part of the 1st Amendment prohibiting government from interfering with people’s religious beliefs
libel
- publication of statements that wrongfully damage an individual’s reputation

9. Supreme Court Cases Wisconsin v. Yoder - religion
Schenck v. United States
- speech
New York Times v. Sullivan
- press
Gitlow v. New York
Engel v. Vitale

10. Main Ideas
In what two ways does the 1st Amendment protect freedom of religion?
- NO national religion
- free exercise of religion

11. Main Ideas
What kinds of speech has the Court refused to protect under the 1st Amendment?
- speech that threatens others or social order

12. Main Ideas
How did the Supreme Court decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan affect freedom of the press?
- it set constitutional limits on libel law
- expanded the protections of the press to allow criticism of public officials

13. Engel v. Vitale
Government should not be writing prayers and religious exercises should not be conducted in public schools