**Understanding the Supremacy Clause** The Supremacy Clause is an important part of the U.S. Constitution. It helps explain how state and federal laws work together. You can find it in Article VI, Clause 2. This clause says that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the "supreme Law of the Land." This means they are higher than any state laws that might conflict with them. Here's why the Supremacy Clause is essential: **1. Consistent Laws Across the Country:** The Supremacy Clause makes sure that laws are the same everywhere in the United States. This is especially important in areas like civil rights and immigration. If each state could make different laws, it could cause problems and unfairness. For example, if states could make laws that go against federal civil rights protections, those rights wouldn’t mean much. **2. Federal Law Takes Priority:** The Supremacy Clause means that federal law can replace state law. This is called *preemption*. There are two types of preemption: - **Express preemption** happens when Congress clearly says that federal law should override state law. - **Implied preemption** can happen when it’s impossible to follow both laws at the same time or when state laws make it hard to achieve the goals of federal laws. **3. Courts Help Explain the Clause:** Judges play a big role in figuring out how the Supremacy Clause works. They decide what happens when state and federal laws clash. The U.S. Supreme Court often looks at cases that deal with this clause. Famous cases, like *McCulloch v. Maryland* (1819), show how federal authority can win in these disputes, like when states tried to tax federal organizations. **4. Balancing Power:** The Supremacy Clause is key in the ongoing conversation about **federalism**, which is about the balance of power between state and federal governments. Some people believe that the federal government should have more power to protect national interests, especially in areas like health and safety. Others argue that states should have the right to make their own laws to better serve their communities. **5. Legal Disagreements:** Sometimes, the Supremacy Clause leads to legal arguments. For example, when states pass laws that don't match federal immigration or gun laws, it can lead to court cases. These disputes can spark public debates and show how complicated the relationship is between state and federal governments. **Practical Examples:** In real life, the Supremacy Clause often comes up with laws passed by state governments. For example, a state might try to legalize something controversial, like marijuana or same-sex marriage. States can make laws on many topics, but they have to remember that federal laws might still be more powerful. This ongoing tug-of-war often leads to court cases that determine if state laws are allowed under federal rules. As society changes, especially regarding issues like civil rights and health care, the rules around the Supremacy Clause might change too. When people’s opinions shift or new federal laws are introduced, states may change their rules to align with or oppose these changes. There are also areas where both state and federal governments can make laws, known as **concurrent powers**. This includes things like taxes and highways. In these cases, the Supremacy Clause reminds us that federal laws are still more important. For example, in education, both state and federal laws exist, but federal rules about funding can lead to significant changes in how states manage their education systems. **Conclusion:** In summary, the Supremacy Clause is crucial for understanding how state and federal laws interact in the U.S. It makes federal law the top priority, but it also recognizes that states can govern themselves. However, this can lead to conflicts and debates about who should have more power. As issues evolve, the way we understand and apply the Supremacy Clause will continue to be vital in shaping our laws and our society.
Landmark Supreme Court cases are important for helping us understand civil rights. These cases set important legal rules that protect individual freedoms. They show how ideas about justice and fairness change over time and affect how laws are applied. By learning about these cases, we can better see how civil rights have developed in U.S. law and how they keep influencing our understanding of rights today. ### Establishing Legal Precedents One important case is **Brown v. Board of Education (1954)**. This case helped end racial segregation in public schools, which was a major violation of civil rights. The Supreme Court decided that "separate but equal" schools are not okay. This ruling was a big change from past decisions. It canceled segregation laws and set a new rule that equality is a basic right protected by the Constitution. ### Interpreting Rights Under the Constitution The Supreme Court helps explain how the Constitution protects civil liberties. For example, in **Roe v. Wade (1973)**, the Court said that women have the right to make choices about their own bodies. This meant that a woman has the right to decide whether to have an abortion. This case showed that rights related to personal choices go beyond what's written in the Constitution and provides more protection for individuals. ### Counteracting Discrimination Another key case is **Loving v. Virginia (1967)**. This case made it illegal to ban interracial marriage, reinforcing the idea that everyone should be treated equally under the law. The Court’s ruling proved that racial discrimination is not allowed, whether in marriage or other areas. This case shows how courts can prevent unfair laws and create a fairer society. ### Expanding the Scope of Protections The Supreme Court also works to protect different groups. In **Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)**, the Court recognized same-sex marriage as a right protected by the Constitution. This ruling not only supported LGBTQ+ rights but also supported the principles of freedom and equality that are important in the U.S. These cases help change social views and promote acceptance of different identities. ### Facilitating Social Change Supreme Court decisions can often lead to social changes. They deal with immediate legal questions but also connect to larger movements for justice and equality. For instance, in **United States v. Nixon (1974)**, the ruling during the Watergate scandal confirmed that even the president must follow the law. This case stressed the need for accountability and clear rules in government, which is part of the ongoing fight for justice. ### Judicial Activism vs. Restraint There is a discussion about how active the courts should be in dealing with civil rights. Some people say the Supreme Court should take a strong role in protecting civil rights, especially as society changes. Others believe that courts should let elected lawmakers decide rights instead. Landmark cases often show this tension as courts try to balance the need for change with their ability to make decisions. ### Influence of Public Opinion Many important Supreme Court decisions reflect changes in public opinion. For instance, in **Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)**, the Court struck down laws that banned married couples from using contraceptives. This ruling responded to a growing demand for more personal freedoms. It shows how public views can influence court decisions about civil rights. ### Protections Against Government Overreach Many important cases protect people from government overreach. For example, in **Miranda v. Arizona (1966)**, the Court decided that people in police custody must be told their rights before being questioned. This ruling helps protect against self-incrimination and shows how the courts define the limits of government power over individual freedoms. ### Conclusion In conclusion, landmark Supreme Court cases are crucial for understanding civil rights in the U.S. legal system. They set important legal rules, explain fundamental rights, fight against discrimination, and extend protections for different groups. These cases also help push for social changes and remind us of the need for accountability in government. Overall, the decisions made by the Court affect both current laws and society's view of justice and equality. This makes them essential in the ongoing conversation about civil liberties and how everyone is protected under the Constitution.
The Supremacy Clause is a part of the U.S. Constitution. It’s in Article VI, Clause 2. This clause makes sure that federal laws are more important than state laws. So, what happens when federal and state laws clash? Let’s break it down: 1. **Federal Preemption**: If Congress makes a law that goes against a state law, the federal law wins. For example, consider marijuana. Some states have made it legal, but it’s still illegal by federal law. Thanks to the Supremacy Clause, the federal law can cancel out the state law. 2. **Field Preemption**: Sometimes, federal law covers a whole area, meaning states can’t make their own laws about it. A good example is immigration or foreign affairs. In these areas, only the federal government can create laws. 3. **Case Law**: Many court cases show how important the Supremacy Clause is. For instance, cases like *Gibbons v. Ogden* and *Arizona v. United States* help clear up conflicts when different laws clash. Courts often look at the Supremacy Clause to decide which law to follow. 4. **Practical Implications**: If you're studying constitutional law, getting the Supremacy Clause is super important. It helps explain how laws are made and followed. Plus, it shows how power is shared between state and federal governments. In short, the Supremacy Clause helps ensure that federal laws work together across the nation. This keeps things consistent and steady, even when states have their own rules.
**Important Supreme Court Cases and Their Impact on Individual Rights** Supreme Court cases are really important in helping us understand individual rights in the United States. These cases help interpret the Constitution, which is our country's guiding document. They show how the law protects people's freedoms and rights, even when times get complicated. Here are some landmark cases that changed how we think about individual rights: - **Marrbury v. Madison (1803)**: This case helped create the idea of "judicial review." This means that courts can decide if laws or actions by the government go against the Constitution. By doing this, people can take legal action if their rights are being violated. - **Brown v. Board of Education (1954)**: This case was a big step in fighting against racial segregation in schools. The Court decided that separating students based on race was not fair, declaring that “separate but equal” is not equal at all. This ruling helped kick-start a larger movement for civil rights and fairness. - **Roe v. Wade (1973)**: This case recognized that women have a constitutional right to privacy, which includes the choice to have an abortion. It showed how rights can change and grow over time. This decision led to ongoing discussions about reproductive rights and how much control the government should have over personal choices. - **Miranda v. Arizona (1966)**: In this case, the Court said that when someone is arrested, they have to be told their rights, known as "Miranda rights." This decision was important because it protected people from being forced to say things that could get them in trouble. It changed how police handle suspects to make sure their rights are safe. - **Loving v. Virginia (1967)**: This case struck down laws that banned interracial marriage. The Court decided that these bans were unfair and violated the rights of individuals. This case showed that people have the right to choose whom they marry, free from racial discrimination. - **Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)**: This case recognized same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. It was a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights. This ruling helped change the way we think about marriage and individual rights, supporting the idea that everyone deserves equal protection under the law. These cases teach us some important lessons: 1. **Expansion of Rights**: Each case shows how the understanding of rights can change. The Court adapts to what society values and the issues people face, helping groups that were once ignored. 2. **Role of the Judiciary**: The Supreme Court acts as an important guardian of rights when other branches of government do not protect them. This role is crucial for keeping a balance in our government system. 3. **Precedent and Case Law**: Landmark decisions help set rules for future cases. They create a legal system that affects how people and the government interact. These rulings lay the groundwork for expanding rights over time. 4. **Civic Engagement**: Important Supreme Court cases get people talking and can lead to changes in laws. They inspire debates and movements that aim to protect individual rights. 5. **Contextual Understanding**: The effects of Supreme Court decisions are connected to the social and political issues of their time. How people feel and what they say often influences the Court’s decisions. In conclusion, landmark Supreme Court cases have greatly influenced how we see individual rights. They protect constitutional rights, change social norms, and show how law and society work together. These cases help us understand that the Constitution can adapt and grow as we seek justice. Protecting individual rights continues to be an essential part of American law and government.
Civil rights are very important because they help make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally under the law. These rights are based on the idea that every person, no matter their race, gender, religion, or ability, deserves to be treated with respect. Civil rights help protect people from unfair treatment and give them access to important freedoms. In the United States, civil rights are backed by the Constitution. A key part of this is the Fourteenth Amendment, which says that no state can deny any person equal protection under the law. This idea shows how committed we are to equality and protecting the freedoms that everyone should have. Civil rights laws came about as a way to respond to the unfair treatment that certain groups faced in the past. Important laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped protect people from discrimination in things like jobs, education, and voting. These laws were created during the civil rights movement, which showed how people working together can push for justice and equality. To keep our society fair, it's crucial that civil rights are enforced. Courts play an important role in understanding these laws. They often have to decide what equality really means and whether certain actions hurt specific groups. For example, the case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 said that separating students in schools based on race was not allowed, proving that separate is never truly equal. These kinds of decisions not only uphold civil rights but also help shape social justice in America. Civil rights also make sure everyone is protected under the law, which helps prevent unfair practices by the government or private groups. Laws about free speech, gathering together, and religious freedom, along with anti-discrimination laws, create a space where people can express themselves and take part in democracy. When these rights are threatened, it’s essential for courts and lawmakers to step in and protect those affected. The conversation about civil rights also connects to social justice. This includes the idea that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed and that barriers based on identity need to come down. Issues like affirmative action in schools and jobs show how civil rights can change to fix ongoing inequalities. While people might disagree about these policies, they show a strong commitment to making society fairer and more inclusive. Modern movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights are also pushing for civil rights. These groups challenge old ideas and ask for a fresh look at civil rights protections. They fight for the recognition and protection of rights that many people have been denied. Their hard work reminds us that civil rights are not just about laws but also about changing attitudes in society to make sure everyone can be equal. It’s important to remember that fighting for civil rights is an ongoing effort. It requires us to be aware and active in promoting an inclusive society. This means teaching people about their rights, getting involved in our communities, and supporting policies that make things more equal. For example, efforts to improve healthcare access and educational success show that civil rights go beyond just having laws. They also tackle real-life issues
### Why Understanding Constitutional Law is Important for Civic Engagement Understanding constitutional law is really important for everyone who wants to be involved in their community. It helps us see how rules and rights shape our lives as citizens. Constitutional law is like the foundation of how our government works and how society behaves. It affects our personal freedoms and how government organizations operate. When we learn about these laws, we can take part in our democracy in a smarter way. First, knowing about constitutional principles helps us understand our rights. The Constitution lists rights that protect us from government actions that go too far and make sure everyone is treated equally. When we know about rights like freedom of speech, the right to gather, and equal protection under the law, we can stand up for ourselves and others. This knowledge leads to a more involved and aware community. Second, if we understand what constitutional law means, we can participate more actively in things like elections and community discussions. For example, when talking about healthcare changes, knowing how certain rights might be viewed against what the government can do helps us have better conversations. People who engage in discussions contribute valuable viewpoints that can help create positive changes. Also, understanding how constitutional principles relate to today’s issues makes us more engaged citizens. As society evolves, the interpretation of constitutional law can change too. For instance, when we talk about privacy rights with all the new technology, it’s important to know how our rights mix with today’s challenges. By understanding these issues, we can discuss and support proper legal interpretations that shape the laws affecting our lives. Another key aspect of knowing about constitutional law is understanding how our government is organized. When we know how our local, state, and federal governments work together, it makes it easier for us to join in. Knowing our rights and responsibilities helps us feel comfortable attending local meetings, voting, or pushing for changes. Furthermore, learning about constitutional principles gives us tools to fight against unfair treatment. When we see discrimination, knowing about the law can help us express our concerns clearly. For example, understanding how the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment works helps us seek justice through appropriate means, like legal action or advocacy. This not only empowers us but also promotes positive changes in society. Understanding constitutional law also sparks conversations in our communities. Discussions about rights and responsibilities start from constitutional ideas. Attending events that explore these topics can build a sense of connection among community members. For instance, town meetings about civil rights encourage informed debates and strengthen community bonds. This kind of engagement helps everyone commit to democratic values and create a strong civic environment. Improving our knowledge of constitutional law also helps us think critically. With so much information available today, being knowledgeable allows us to analyze news and stories better. We are less likely to fall for false information and more inclined to seek facts. This skill is essential, especially now when information spreads rapidly, and understanding policies requires careful thought. In schools, teaching constitutional law can help students become more engaged citizens. Classes that include civic education prepare future leaders who understand their rights and obligations. When students participate in activities like mock trials or debates about constitutional matters, they learn to express their views and appreciate other opinions. This kind of involvement encourages them to stay active in civic issues throughout their lives. Additionally, understanding constitutional law can motivate people to work together for change. When individuals see that they can impact laws through advocacy, they are more likely to unite around important issues. Grassroots movements that use constitutional ideas to challenge unfair practices show how powerful informed citizens can be. These efforts spark discussions about rights and community values, bringing people together for shared goals. Learning about constitutional law also gives us a glimpse into history. The Constitution is not just a document; it represents the struggles for rights and freedoms over many years. By studying its background and changes throughout time, we can better understand today’s issues. This understanding helps develop empathy and a broader viewpoint that guide our civic involvement, reminding us of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Finally, promoting respect for constitutional values can help different groups understand each other better. By talking about civil rights and freedoms, we highlight how important it is to protect everyone’s voice. Sharing different stories and experiences enriches discussions about constitutional values. These conversations encourage inclusion and create spaces where positive dialogues can happen. As people learn more about constitutional law, they often feel motivated to take on leadership roles in their communities. Knowledge of constitutional principles may lead to active participation in local government or advocacy groups, where they can lead important projects that reflect constitutional values. Becoming a community leader begins with understanding how power works in society, which is deeply tied to constitutional law. In conclusion, understanding constitutional law is essential for being involved in our communities. By learning about our rights and duties, we can advocate for fairness, navigate the democratic process, and promote healthy conversations in our communities. A community of citizens who understand constitutional law can lead to a stronger democracy, ensuring that the core values of freedom, justice, and equality remain vital for future generations.
### Understanding the Amendment Process The amendment process is really important for making the Constitution flexible. This means it can change and adapt to our society's needs and values over time. The people who created the Constitution knew that they couldn’t guess every problem that might come up in the future. So, they set up a way to make updates and changes, keeping the Constitution useful even as times change. ### Why Change Is Necessary First, society is always changing. We grow and develop based on new ideas, different populations, and new technologies. Change is a key part of how we, as humans, move forward. Having a way to amend the Constitution helps make sure the laws reflect what the people want. This supports democracy. For instance, important changes that helped make the country fairer include amendments for civil rights and voting. A great example is the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. This shows how amendments can help improve democracy and equality. ### How the Process Works The people who designed the Constitution made sure that changing it wasn’t too easy. They wanted to ensure that only the most supported changes would be made. The amendment process has two main steps: 1. **Proposal Stage**: Amendments can be suggested in one of two ways. They can either be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both parts of Congress or by a special meeting called by two-thirds of the state legislatures. 2. **Ratification Stage**: After an amendment is proposed, it needs to be approved by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This high requirement means that changes aren’t made lightly. It protects the Constitution from quick decisions that might not be good for everyone while still allowing for necessary changes. ### Keeping Important Values Safe The amendment process also helps protect the important values in the Constitution. With such a strong requirement for support, amendments are more likely to reflect the core values that the Constitution stands for, like fairness and justice. This careful method helps prevent sudden changes based on short-term feelings, which could hurt basic rights and protections. ### Learning From History History teaches us a lot about why the amendment process matters. For example, the 13th Amendment ended slavery, showing how amendments can fix serious wrongs. The 24th Amendment got rid of poll taxes, improving voting rights and removing unfair practices. Each of these amendments needed lots of discussion and agreement, highlighting how the process can tackle social problems while keeping stability. ### Challenges We Face But, the amendment process does have its problems. Some critics say the strict rules make it hard to fix important issues that we care about today. Even though many people support changes like limiting terms for politicians or reforming campaign financing, it remains difficult to make these changes because of conflicts between political groups and varying interests in states. This shows a struggle between needing a steady system and wanting fast changes in a world that moves quickly. Also, it can be hard for certain groups, especially those who are often overlooked, to get their voices heard in this process. They might have a tough time getting support for their needs when the rules are so strict. We need to think about how we can make the amendment process more open to everyone so that more people can participate. ### Conclusion In summary, the amendment process is crucial for keeping the Constitution flexible. It allows our legal foundation to adapt to new ideas and situations while still holding onto core values of democracy and justice. By requiring widespread support for changes, the framers created a balance between stability and the need for change. Even though there are challenges with how practical and accessible the process is, it remains an important tool that allows future generations to influence their constitutional path. This flexibility shows that the Constitution can grow and respond to an ever-changing world. The amendment process helps ensure that the Constitution truly represents the will and needs of the people it governs.
Precedent, which is also known as stare decisis, is important for keeping things consistent when interpreting the Constitution. However, it has some big challenges: 1. **Sticking Too Closely**: Sometimes, courts feel they have to follow past decisions too rigidly. This can lead to using old interpretations that may not fit with today’s values or the changes in society. 2. **Conflicting Decisions**: Different courts might interpret the law in different ways. This can create confusion and make it hard to predict what will happen in legal cases, which is really important for the law to work well. 3. **Judicial Activism**: Sometimes, judges might stray from established precedents because of their personal beliefs. This can weaken people’s trust in court decisions. To tackle these problems, here are some suggestions: - **Regular Review of Past Decisions**: Courts could take the time to regularly check if past rulings are still relevant and fair. - **Clear Reasons for Going Off-Track**: When judges decide not to follow a precedent, they should give clear reasons for their choice. This helps everyone understand their thinking and promotes transparency.
The legislative branch is really important for keeping the U.S. government fair and just. It's one of the three branches of government, and it helps make sure that no one group has all the power. This balance helps protect our rights and keeps democracy alive. The main job of the legislative branch is to make laws. Congress is made up of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. They work together to create, discuss, and pass laws. This process is based on the idea that elected officials should listen to the people who voted for them. When lawmakers hear different opinions, they can make better laws that fit the needs of everyone. Creating laws takes time and thought. First, new ideas for laws, called bills, are suggested. Then, they are talked about, changed, and voted on. This gives people a chance to provide their thoughts and helps keep everything open and clear. It’s important that laws are made carefully and not rushed. Citizens can get involved by joining committees or public meetings, making sure their voices are heard. The legislative branch also plays a key role in protecting people's rights. The Constitution provides certain rights, but it is through laws that these rights are put into action and can even be expanded. Important laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act show how lawmakers can support fairness and justice. These laws give people real protections that help build a better society. In addition to making laws, Congress can also change the Constitution. This is important because it means the Constitution can change to fit what society believes and needs over time. Changing the Constitution isn’t easy; it requires a large agreement in both houses of Congress and support from many states. This ensures that while the Constitution can change, it doesn’t happen without a lot of thought and agreement. Another big job of the legislative branch is to check the work of the executive branch, which is led by the president. This check is important to make sure the president doesn’t overstep their boundaries or violate citizens' rights. Congress can hold hearings, investigate issues, and control spending to make sure the executive branch is doing its job right. This oversight supports the idea of checks and balances, making sure all branches of government are keeping each other in check. The legislative branch also helps confirm federal judges and Supreme Court justices. The Senate must approve the president’s choices for these important positions. This adds a layer of accountability and helps ensure that judges follow the values in the Constitution. This relationship between Congress and the judiciary shows how the branches work together to maintain balance and independence. Recently, the legislative branch has faced challenges that test its ability to uphold fairness. Sometimes, political disagreements cause delays in creating laws, which can lead to gridlock. However, there are still ways for different political groups to work together to find solutions to important issues. Also, more people today are getting involved in making laws through the internet and social media. Advocacy groups use these tools to push for changes and raise awareness about laws and rights. This shows how important it is for citizens to be engaged and informed, which is a key part of a strong democracy. In summary, the legislative branch is essential for upholding fairness and justice in America. By making laws, keeping an eye on the executive branch, and involving the public, Congress represents the people’s voices. The balance between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches helps protect individual rights and ensure that the government serves everyone. The commitment of the legislative branch to these principles is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.
**Understanding Landmark Supreme Court Cases and Judicial Review** Landmark Supreme Court cases play a big role in helping us understand how judicial review works. Judicial review is when courts can decide if actions by Congress or the president go against the Constitution. It is an important part of our legal system. These big court decisions help explain the Constitution’s rules and show what the different branches of government can and cannot do. One of the earliest and most important cases is *Marbury v. Madison* from 1803. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall said it is the job of the judicial branch to tell us what the law is. By saying that the Supreme Court can review laws made by Congress to check if they fit with the Constitution, *Marbury* set a standard that made the courts stronger. This case also showed how different parts of government work together, making sure that no one branch becomes too powerful. Other important cases have also changed the way we think about judicial review. For example, in *Brown v. Board of Education* (1954), the Supreme Court looked at whether racial segregation in public schools was allowed. The Court said that the idea of "separate but equal" was not fair and went against the Fourteenth Amendment’s promise of equal protection. This ruling not only ended many laws supporting segregation but also showed how courts can protect civil rights by interpreting the Constitution in a way that promotes fairness and justice. Another important case is *Roe v. Wade* (1973). This case dealt with personal rights and privacy. The Court said that a woman has the right to decide to end her pregnancy, which started a lot of public discussion about reproductive rights. This shows how judicial review can change to fit new ideas in society. Moreover, landmark cases often lead to new laws or changes in the Constitution, showing their long-lasting effects on American law and politics. After *Roe v. Wade*, many states tried to create laws to control abortion, which led to more court cases about whether these laws followed the Constitution. This back-and-forth process shows how flexible constitutional law can be and highlights the judiciary's role in our government. Through many important rulings, landmark Supreme Court cases have shown how powerful the courts are in explaining judicial review. These cases not only define what the Constitution means but also reflect the values and morals of society. For example, in *Loving v. Virginia* (1967), the Court struck down laws that banned interracial marriage, emphasizing equality and personal freedom. These decisions show how judicial review can help fight injustice and support basic rights. Furthermore, landmark cases teach students about constitutional law, showing how judicial review can push for change or uphold existing rules. Understanding different opinions, like those in *Bush v. Gore* (2000), helps us see the complex decisions judges have to make. These differing opinions highlight the changing nature of how we interpret the Constitution and encourage us to think critically about the role of the courts. In conclusion, landmark Supreme Court cases help shape our understanding of judicial review. They show us that the Constitution is a living document that needs to be interpreted as society changes. Through important decisions, the Supreme Court protects rights and keeps the balance of power among the branches of government, ensuring the ideals in the Constitution continue to be upheld in today's world.