FREE US Constitution Modern Relevance Questions and Answers
Which U.S. Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
The 1803 case Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, giving the U.S. Supreme Court the authority to declare laws unconstitutional. This landmark case strengthened the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution is most directly concerned with civil rights and equal protection under the law?
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, provides for equal protection under the law and due process for all citizens. It has been the basis for many landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade.
How does the U.S. Constitution influence modern debates about government surveillance?
The U.S. Constitution, particularly through the Fourth Amendment, protects citizens' rights to privacy and against unreasonable searches and seizures. In modern times, debates about government surveillance often revolve around balancing these constitutional protections with the need for national security, as seen in cases involving the Patriot Act and surveillance programs.
Which Supreme Court decision ruled that state laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional?
The 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia struck down state bans on interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. This decision expanded civil rights and equality in the U.S.
What impact did the U.S. Constitution have on the civil rights movement in the 20th century?
The U.S. Constitution, especially the 14th and 15th Amendments, provided the legal foundation for the civil rights movement. Activists used constitutional principles to challenge segregation, voting rights discrimination, and other forms of institutional racism in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.