Unit 2 Review
Philosophical Chairs
Chapter 5 Civil Liberties
Chapter 6 Civil Rights
Philosophical Chairs Rules
• There will be no more than 9 participants per
topic: 4 pro/4 con/1 position-taker
• After position-taker makes open statement,
other participants get to respond. To respond,
participants must first affirm the statements
made by the previous speaker.
• Each topic gets no more than 5 minutes in the
debate.
Topic #1
The 1st Amendment Religion Clauses review:
• Review the difference between the
establishment & free exercise clauses.
• Review Lemon & Neutrality tests with Engel,
Everson, Bunn, Marsh, Reynolds and other
cases.
DEBATE:
No government body at ANY level should be
allowed to open with a prayer. CHAIRS
Topic #2
Search and Seizure review
 Exclusionary Rule redefined and explained.
 Review Weeks, Mapp, & Miranda cases &
their significances?
 Review School searches and TLO case.
DEBATE:
The exclusionary rule as applied allows
criminals to get off on technicalities. CHAIRS
Topic #3
Due Process in 5th and 14th Amendments.
 Distinguish the difference between substantive
and procedural due process.
 Outline the incorporation aspects of the due
process clause.
 Review the Escobedo, Miranda, and Gideon cases.
 Discuss death penalty cases.
DEBATE:
The death penalty is cruel and unusual
punishment. CHAIRS
Topic #4
Define the “Reasonableness” Standard and
Substantial Relationship Standard with examples.
 Discuss Reed & Rostker cases as examples.
 Review ERA attempts, legislation and exceptions.
DEBATE:
Women should be required to register for the
selective service draft. CHAIRS
Topic #5
Discuss abortion and privacy.
 Discuss Roe v. Wade & related cases.
 Use amendments to emphasize the
rationale of the decision.
DEBATE:
Abortion should remain legal. CHAIRS
Topic #6
Define Affirmative Action.
 Cases to support: Bakke, Bolliger, Gratz,
Grutter & Fisher decisions
 Define and examine Constitutional rationale
of programs.
DEBATES:
Affirmative Action is a form of reverse
discrimination. CHAIRS
Topic #7
Gays and the Constitution
– Right to privacy issues in Griswold & Lawrence
case.
– Gay marriage issues in Windsor & Obergefell
cases.
DEBATE:
Government officials that morally oppose gay
marriage should be allowed to recuse
themselves from issuing marriage licenses.
CHAIRS