The Presidency: Constitutional Controversies
Korematsu v. U.S. (1944)
Case background and primary source documents concerning the Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. United States. Dealing with President Franklin Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 and the relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II, this lesson asks students to asses the Supreme Court’s Decision in Korematsu v. United States.
Founding Principles
Due Process
The government must interact with all citizens according to the duly-enacted laws; applying these rules equally among all citizens.
Equal Protection
The principle of equal justice under law means that every individual is equal to every other person in regards to natural rights and treatment before the law. There are no individuals or groups who are born with the right to rule over others.
Inalienable / Natural Rights
Freedoms which belong to us by nature and can only be justly taken away through due process.
Liberty
Except where authorized by citizens through the Constitution, the government does not have the authority to limit freedom.
Property Rights
The natural right of all individuals to create, obtain, and control their possessions, beliefs, faculties, and opinions, as well as the fruits of their labor.
