AP Government — Notable Cases

Marbury v. Madison

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

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established the "Necessary and Proper" Clause, granting implied powers to the federal government and affirming its supremacy over the states.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Confirmed that the federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce through the Commerce Clause.

Worcester v. Georgia

Laid the foundation for the doctrine of tribal sovereignty, defining the relationship between tribes and state/federal governments.

Dred Scott v. Sanford

Ruled that the Constitution did not include American citizenship for people of African descent, denying them rights and privileges.

Munn v. Illinois

Upheld state governments' power to regulate private industries affecting the common good, under the Interstate Commerce Act.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Codified the doctrine of racial segregation, ruling that separate facilities did not violate the 14th Amendment if they were equal in quality.

Insular Cases

Determined that U.S. citizens in territories acquired in the Spanish-American War may lack some constitutional rights.

Schenck v. US

Established the clear and present danger doctrine, ruling that the 1st Amendment did not protect anti-war protests during wartime.

Korematsu v. US

Upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, supporting Executive Order 9066.

Brown v. Board of Education

Reversed Plessy V. Ferguson, ruling that racial segregation in public facilities was unconstitutional.

Baker v. Carr

Ruled that redistricting is a constitutional question under the 14th Amendment, establishing the one person - one vote principle.

Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US

Affirmed that the Commerce Clause allows the government to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against private businesses.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Required states to provide an attorney to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford one, under the 6th Amendment.

Escobedo v. Illinois

Established that criminal suspects have the right to counsel during police interrogations under the 6th Amendment.

Miranda v. Arizona

Required that suspects be informed of their rights during police custody, restricting the use of their statements in court under the 5th Amendment.

New York Times v. US

Allowed the publication of the Pentagon Papers without government censorship, affirming freedom of the press.

Roe v. Wade

Ruled that the Constitution protects a woman's right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.

US v. Nixon

Ordered President Nixon to deliver subpoenaed materials during the Watergate scandal, despite claims of executive privilege.

Bush v. Gore

Settled the recount dispute in Florida's 2000 presidential election by stopping the recount in certain counties.