political science

1. Federalism functions "laterally", dividing power within governments between three equal branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. It also functions "vertically", dividing power between the upper Federal government and the lower state governments. . Marshall used his influence on other Justices and his decisions emphasized how the federal government, under the Constitution, was basically supreme over state powers. Marshall made "broad construction" of the Constitution the prevailing law of the land. One of the more important powers Marshall affirmed for the US Supreme Court was "judicial review," the right of the federal courts, and most particularly the Supreme Court, to analyze a law relevant to a case before the Court and determine its constitutionality. The authority also extends to Executive Orders, provided they have been challenged in Court. Some examples: are Marbury vs. Madison, McCullah vs. Maryland, Gibbsons vs. Ogden and Cohens vs. Virginia.
2. It was meant to give slaves citizenship and former slaves’ equal protection under the law. Now it is used to advance equal rights for everyone and to gain citizenship for children born in America by foreign parents. State and federal citizenship for all persons regardless of race either born or naturalized in the United States was reaffirmed. No state would be allowed to abridge the "privileges and immunities" of citizens. No person was allowed to be deprived of life, liberty, or property without "due process of law. No person could be denied "equal protection of the laws.
3. The first Amendment: an amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression; includes freedom of assembly and freedom of the press and freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Speech: The First Amendment says that people have the right to speak freely without government interference. Press: The First Amendment gives the press the right to publish news, information and opinions