James Madison Lesson 2: The Second National Bank—Powers Not Specified in the Constitution
In this lesson, students examine the First and Second National Banks and whether or not such a bank’s powers are constitutional or unconstitutional.
How should the Constitution be applied to situations not specified in the text? How can balance be achieved between the power of the states and that of the federal government? How can a balance of power be achieved among the three branches of the federal government? In this lesson, Madison’s words will help students understand the constitutional issues involved in some controversies that arose during Madison’s presidency.
James Madison Lesson 3: Raising an Army: Balancing the Power of the States and the Federal Government
Not everyone in the U.S. supported the War of 1812. What events during Madison’s presidency raised constitutional questions? What were the constitutional issues? Where did Madison stand?
James Madison Lesson 4: Internal Improvements Balancing Act: Federal/State, Executive/Legislative
There was general agreement at the beginning of the 19th century that the U.S. would greatly benefit from some internal improvements of a national nature, such as a nationwide network of roads and canals. But how should the funds for such projects be raised? Who should be in control of the projects—that is, who should administer them?
Balancing Three Branches at Once: Our System of Checks and Balances
Using primary source documents, your students can see clear demonstrations of how one branch of our government can check another, and when it should.
Shelby County v. Holder (2013)
Did Congress’s decision in 2006 to reauthorize Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act exceeded its authority to regulate voting? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.
Smith v. Doe (2003)
February 15, 2016
Does Alaska’s Sex Offender Registration Act violate the Ex Post Facto Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
Constitutional Index – Spending Clause
February 12, 2016
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.
Constitutional Index – General Welfare Clause
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.
Constitutional Index – Uniformity of Taxation Clause
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.
Constitutional Index – Borrowing Clause
February 12, 2016
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.