Questions: Describe how foundational values of liberty, equality, and justice influence the U.S. system of government In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Court ruled that laws banning same-sex marriage represented a grave injustice and that the principle of fairness required its legalization.

In the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws banning same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. This decision was based on the principle of fairness and equality under the law, which are foundational values that influence the U.S. system of government. The Court held that the right to marry is a fundamental liberty protected by the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision reflects the broader American values of liberty, equality, and justice, which aim to ensure that all individuals have the same rights and protections under the law, regardless of their sexual orientation.

The principle of fairness, in this context, refers to the idea that all individuals should be treated equally and justly by the legal system. The decision in Obergefell v. Hodges emphasized that denying same-sex couples the right to marry was a violation of their constitutional rights, thus requiring the legalization of same-sex marriage to uphold these foundational values. This case is a significant example of how the U.S. legal system interprets and applies the principles of liberty, equality, and justice to protect individual rights and promote social progress.