The U.S. Constitution: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States

This unit examines continuity and change in the governing of the United States. Lessons one and two are focused on a study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and provide access to primary source documents from the Library of Congress. Lesson three investigates important issues which confronted the first Congress and has students examine current congressional debate over similar issues. Lesson four features broadsides from the Continental Congress.

SAENZ v. Roe (1999)

Does a statute authorizing states receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) to pay the benefit amount of another state to its first year residents, violate the Fourteenth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.

Samson v. California (2006)

Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit police from conducting an suspicionless search of a parolee? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.

Schriro v. Landrigan (2007)

Was an attorney ineffective for failure to present mitigating evidence during a sentencing hearing, even though his client opposed the use of the evidence? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.

Scott v. Harris (2007)

A sheriff’s deputy runs a fleeing, speeding motorist off the road—is the action an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.