AP GOV unit 3.8-3.9 (right to privacy and equal protection)

• What are the central conflicts discussed in the study material?

  Individual liberty vs. community safety and majority will vs. minority rights
• Does the U.S. Constitution explicitly mention a "right to privacy"?


  No, it does not explicitly mention a "right to privacy."
• Which amendment provides protections against unreasonable searches that relate to privacy?

  The 4th Amendment provides protections against unreasonable searches.
• What was the significance of the cases dealing with privacy in the context of new technologies?

  They were decided under the purview of the 4th Amendment.
• What social developments in the 1960s influenced the discussion of privacy rights?

  Women's rights and sexual liberation influenced the discussion.
• What controversial development became a focal point in the privacy rights debate during the 1960s?

  The development of oral birth control, known as "The Pill."
• What was the outcome of the conflict surrounding "The Pill"?

  It resulted in the case Griswold v. Connecticut.
• What was the background of Griswold v. Connecticut?

  • Connecticut had strict anti-contraception laws since 1879.
  • The law prohibited any form of birth control and counseling about it.
  • Estelle Griswold and Dr. C. Lee Buxton opened a birth control clinic to challenge the law.
  • They were arrested and convicted for violating the law.
• What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Griswold v. Connecticut?

  The law was ruled unconstitutional for violating the right to marital privacy.
• How did the Supreme Court justify the right to privacy in Griswold v. Connecticut?

  It was inferred from the "penumbras" of several amendments.
• Which amendments were cited as creating a "zone of privacy" in Griswold v. Connecticut?

  The 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 9th Amendments.
• What is the purpose of the 9th Amendment in the context of rights?

  It reserves additional rights not enumerated to the people.
• How has the 9th Amendment been used in Supreme Court rulings?

  It has rarely been invoked in major rulings.
• What do conservative judges typically view the 9th Amendment as?

  As a rule of construction rather than an independent source of rights.
• Which clause do courts tend to rely on to protect unenumerated rights instead of the 9th Amendment?

  The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
• What is the significance of the case Griswold v. Connecticut?

  It is important in the development of substantive due process.
• What does substantive due process protect?

  It protects certain fundamental rights from government interference.
• How does substantive due process differ from procedural due process?

  Substantive due process addresses what laws the government may pass, while procedural due process ensures fair legal procedures.
• What issue did substantive due process address following Griswold?

  Access to abortion.
• What was the legal context of Roe v. Wade?

  It challenged restrictive abortion laws in Texas.
• What constitutional right did Roe argue was violated by Texas abortion laws?

  The right to privacy.
• What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade regarding a woman's right to choose an abortion?

  It was encompassed within the right to privacy.
• What trimester framework did the Supreme Court establish in Roe v. Wade?

  First trimester: no regulation; second trimester: regulation for health; third trimester: interest in potential life.
• What was the impact of Roe v. Wade on state abortion laws?

  It struck down many state abortion laws and established a constitutional right to abortion.
• Which groups opposed Roe v. Wade and why?

  Religious and conservative groups opposed it, equating abortion with the taking of innocent life.
• How did the issue of abortion affect political affiliations in the U.S.?

  It became a wedge issue that shifted some Democratic supporters to Republican voters.
• What organizations emerged as powerful forces in the abortion debate?

  Pro-life organizations like the National Right to Life Committee and pro-choice groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America.
• What changes did Pennsylvania make to its Abortion Control Act in 1989?

  It added restrictions like informed consent, a 24-hour waiting period, parental consent, and spousal notification.
• What was the basis of Planned Parenthood's lawsuit against Pennsylvania's provisions?

  They argued that the provisions placed unconstitutional burdens on a woman's right to an abortion.
• What was the Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey regarding the undue burden test?

  It stated that a law imposes an undue burden if it places a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before fetal viability.
• What did the Supreme Court uphold and strike down in Planned Parenthood v. Casey?

  It upheld most provisions like the 24-hour waiting period and struck down the spousal notification requirement.
• What law did Mississippi pass in 2018 regarding abortion?

  The Gestational Age Act, banning most abortions after 15 weeks.
• What was the argument made by Jackson Women's Health organization against the Gestational Age Act?

  They argued it violated the constitutional protections established in Roe and Casey.
• What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health organization?

  It ruled that the constitution does not confer a right to abortion, overturning Roe and Casey.
• What are the key components of the majority decision in Roe v. Wade?

  • Right to privacy inferred from the Due Process Clause
  • A woman's right to choose an abortion is constitutionally protected
  • Trimester framework established:

  1. First Trimester: No state regulation
  2. Second Trimester: Regulation only for mother's health
  3. Third Trimester: State interest in protecting potential life
• What are the key components of the majority decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey?

  • Reaffirmed core holding of Roe v. Wade
  • Introduced the undue burden test
  • Upheld most provisions of Pennsylvania's law
  • Struck down spousal notification requirement
• What are the implications of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision?

  • Overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey
  • Declared that the regulation of abortion is a state matter
  • Removed federal constitutional protections for abortion rights
• What is the central conflict highlighted in the study material regarding abortion rights?

  • Majority will vs. minority rights
  • Balancing the rights of women against societal and moral perspectives
• What are civil rights based on?

  Equal treatment based on certain characteristics
• Name two characteristics that civil rights are based on.

  Race and gender