AP GOV REQUIRED COURT CASES

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. This case involved William Marbury, who was appointed as a justice of the peace but did not receive his commission.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Affirmed the implied powers of Congress, allowing the national government to create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause. It also confirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws when the two conflict.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Established the 'clear and present danger' test, limiting free speech during wartime. Charles Schenck's anti-draft leaflets were deemed a threat to national security.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson. This case was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement.