Untitled Flashcards Set

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

The 2nd Amendment individual right to bear arms is applied to state and local governments (selective incorporation). Reasonable restrictions (like on assault weapons) are still allowed.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

"Student rights do not end at the schoolhouse gates." Students retain First Amendment rights in school.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Congress has implied powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause. The federal government is supreme over the states.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review. The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by Congress.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

First major redistricting case. The Court ruled that federal courts can intervene in redistricting cases under the 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

"Separate but equal" is unconstitutional in education. Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Freedom of speech is not absolute. In wartime, speech can be limited if it presents a "clear and present danger."

New York Times v. United States (1971)

Prior restraint is very hard to justify. The government couldn’t block publication of the Pentagon Papers.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional. Congressional districts cannot be drawn solely based on race.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions is protected speech. Led to creation of SuperPACs.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

The Commerce Clause does not give Congress unlimited power. Struck down a federal gun-free school zones law.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Official-led prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause, even if it's nondenominational or voluntary.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

A state law cannot force Amish families to send children to school past 8th grade. Religious freedom outweighed the state's interest in education.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

The right to counsel (6th Amendment) applies to states through selective incorporation. States must provide attorneys to indigent defendants.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

The constitutional right to privacy includes a woman's right to have an abortion, especially in the first trimester.