AP Government Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to nullify acts that violate the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established federal supremacy over state laws through the Elastic Clause and Supremacy Clause.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Schenck v. United States

Established that speech creating a 'clear and present danger' is not protected under the First Amendment.

Brown v. Board of Education I

Ruled that race-based segregation in public schools is illegal under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

Baker v. Carr

Established 'one man, one vote,' allowing courts to review redistricting challenges under the 14th Amendment.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that state-sponsored prayer in schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Guaranteed the right to counsel for defendants who cannot afford an attorney, protected by the Sixth Amendment.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

Affirmed students' right to engage in symbolic speech in public schools as long as it does not cause disruption.

New York Times Co. v. United States

Established a heavy presumption against prior restraint of the press, even during national security cases.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Protected the rights of Amish families against compulsory school attendance past the eighth grade under the Free Exercise Clause.

Roe v. Wade

Protected a woman's right to have an abortion through the Due Process Clause and implied right of privacy.

Shaw v. Reno

Ruled that legislative redistricting must consider race under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

United States v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the commerce clause, ruling that possessing a gun in a school zone is not a federal crime.

McDonald v. Chicago

Extended the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for self-defense to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Citizens United v. FEC

Held that political spending by corporations and unions is protected free speech under the First Amendment.