AP Government Supreme Court Cases: Key Principles and Rulings

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Tennessee had not redrawn its legislative districts for decades, leading to unequal political power among voters.

Main issue of Baker v. Carr

Whether federal courts could hear challenges to state legislative districting as political questions.

Amendments involved in Baker v. Carr

Article III, Section 2 and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

Holding of Baker v. Carr

Federal courts can hear reapportionment cases under the Equal Protection Clause.

Significance of Baker v. Carr

Opened the door for courts to require fairer districting and established the principle of 'one person, one vote.'

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Linda Brown was denied admission to a white public school due to racial segregation.

Main issue of Brown v. Board of Education

Whether racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Amendments involved in Brown v. Board of Education

The 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

Holding of Brown v. Board of Education

Segregated public schools are inherently unequal, overturning 'separate but equal' in education.

Significance of Brown v. Board of Education

One of the most important civil rights decisions in American history.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Citizens United wanted to distribute a film criticizing Hillary Clinton near a primary election.

Main issue of Citizens United v. FEC

Whether limits on independent political spending by corporations and unions violated the First Amendment.

Amendments involved in Citizens United v. FEC

The First Amendment's Free Speech Clause.

Holding of Citizens United v. FEC

Corporations and unions have a First Amendment right to spend money independently to support or oppose candidates.

Significance of Citizens United v. FEC

Expanded outside spending in elections and strengthened the idea that political spending is a form of protected speech.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

New York public schools encouraged reciting a state-written prayer, which families objected to.

Main issue of Engel v. Vitale

Whether state-sponsored prayer in public schools violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Amendments involved in Engel v. Vitale

The First Amendment's Establishment Clause.

Holding of Engel v. Vitale

Public schools cannot sponsor or organize prayer, even if voluntary and non-denominational.

Significance of Engel v. Vitale

Strengthened the separation of church and state in public education.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with a felony and could not afford a lawyer.

Main issue of Gideon v. Wainwright

Whether the Sixth Amendment right to counsel applies to defendants in state felony cases.

Amendments involved in Gideon v. Wainwright

The Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel and the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Holding of Gideon v. Wainwright

States must provide attorneys to defendants who cannot afford them in felony criminal cases.

Significance of Gideon v. Wainwright

Made the right to counsel a basic requirement of a fair trial.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

William Marbury's commission was not delivered before President Jefferson took office.

Main issue of Marbury v. Madison

Whether Marbury had a right to his commission and if the Supreme Court could issue a writ of mandamus.

Amendments involved in Marbury v. Madison

Article III, Section 2 and the Judiciary Act of 1789.

Holding of Marbury v. Madison

Marbury had a right to the commission, but the Supreme Court could not issue the writ due to unconstitutionality.

Significance of Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review, allowing courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Maryland tried to tax the Second Bank of the United States, which McCulloch refused to pay.

Main issue of McCulloch v. Maryland

Whether Congress had constitutional authority to create a national bank and if a state could tax it.

Amendments involved in McCulloch v. Maryland

The Necessary and Proper Clause, the Supremacy Clause, and the 10th Amendment.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause that allows Congress to create laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

Case that held the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments.

Second Amendment

Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship and equal protection under the law.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Case that protected press freedom against prior restraint by the government.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Case that established the 'clear and present danger' test for free speech.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

Case that affirmed students' right to free speech in public schools.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause regarding gun possession.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Case that protected the religious rights of Amish families against state education laws.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

Equal Protection Clause

Prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws.

Prior Restraint

Government action that prohibits speech or other expression before it can take place.

Clear and Present Danger Test

Standard to determine whether speech is protected under the First Amendment.

Racial Gerrymandering

Drawing district boundaries based on race to influence electoral outcomes.

Selective Incorporation

Process by which certain rights in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Compulsory Education

Laws requiring children to attend school up to a certain age.

National Security

Protection of a nation from threats and attacks.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to implement the expressed powers.

Federalism

System of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Wartime Powers

Powers granted to the government during times of war to protect national interests.

Student Expression

The right of students to express their opinions and beliefs in a school setting.

Gun-Free School Zones Act

Federal law prohibiting the possession of firearms in school zones.