Key Supreme Court Cases: Federalism, Civil Rights, and Liberties

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Can Congress create a national bank? Can states tax it? Holding: Yes to the bank; No to state taxation. Principle: Elastic Clause + Supremacy Clause. Significance: Expanded federal power over the states.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Does Congress have the power to regulate guns near schools under the Commerce Clause? Holding: No. Principle: Limits of the Commerce Clause. Significance: Reinforced federalism by limiting congressional power.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Can federal courts hear cases about legislative redistricting? Holding: Yes. Principle: Justiciability & Equal Protection Clause. Significance: Opened the door to one person, one vote cases.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Are racially gerrymandered districts constitutional? Holding: Racial gerrymandering can violate Equal Protection. Principle: 14th Amendment. Significance: Limited race-based redistricting.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Is school-sponsored prayer constitutional? Holding: No. Principle: Establishment Clause. Significance: Separation of church and state in public schools.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Can Amish parents refuse to send children to school past 8th grade? Holding: Yes. Principle: Free Exercise Clause. Significance: Religious freedom can outweigh state interests.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Do students have free speech rights at school? Holding: Yes, as long as it doesn't disrupt learning. Principle: Symbolic speech. Standard: 'Substantial disruption'. Significance: Expanded student rights.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Can speech be limited during wartime? Holding: Yes. Principle: Clear and Present Danger. Significance: Limits free speech under certain conditions.

New York Times v. United States (1971)

Can the government stop publication of classified documents? Holding: No. Principle: Prior restraint is unconstitutional. Significance: Strengthened freedom of the press.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

Does the Second Amendment apply to the states? Holding: Yes. Principle: Selective incorporation via the 14th Amendment. Significance: Expanded individual gun rights nationwide.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Does the right to an attorney apply to states? Holding: Yes. Principle: 6th Amendment, Selective incorporation. Significance: Guaranteed right to counsel in felony cases.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Is school segregation constitutional? Holding: No. Principle: Equal Protection Clause. Significance: Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; ended legal segregation.

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