AP Gov Supreme Court Cases

Who won in Marbury v. Madison?

Madison (technically), but Court gained power

Describe the facts of Marbury v. Madison

William Marbury was denied his judicial commission and asked the Supreme Court to force delivery. The Court ruled the law giving it that power (Judiciary Act of 1789) was unconstitutional, establishing judicial review (the power to declare laws unconstitutional).

What was Marbury v. Madison challenging?

Judiciary Act of 1789

What was the constitutional clause in Marbury v. Madison?

Article III → sets up judicial branch and its powers

Who won in McCulloch v. Maryland?

McCulloch (federal government)

Describe the facts of McCulloch v. Maryland

Maryland tried to tax the national bank. The Court ruled Congress has implied powers to create a bank and that states cannot tax federal institutions.

What was McCulloch v. Maryland challenging?

Balance of power between state and federal governments

What was the constitutional clause in McCulloch v. Maryland?

Necessary and Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause

Who won in Schenck v. US?

United States

Describe the facts of Schenck v. US

Schenck distributed pamphlets urging resistance to the draft during WWI. The Court ruled speech can be limited if it creates a “clear and present danger.”

What was Schenck v. US challenging?

Limits of free speech in wartime

What was the constitutional clause in Schenck v. United States?

1st Amendment (Free Speech Clause) → protects speech but allows some restrictions

Who won Brown v. Board of Education?

Brown

Describe the facts of Brown v. Education

Black students were forced into separate schools. The Court ruled that segregation in public schools is inherently unequal, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

What was Brown v. Board of Education challenging?

“Separate but equal” doctrine

What was the constitutional clause in Brown v. Board of Education?

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment) → guarantees equal treatment under law

Who won Baker v. Carr?

Baker

Describe the facts of Baker v. Carr

Tennessee had not updated voting districts, causing unequal representation. The Court said federal courts can hear these cases, leading to “one person, one vote.”

What was Baker v. Carr challenging?

Malapportionment (unequal districts)

What was the constitutional clause in Baker v. Carr?

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment) → ensures equal representation

Who won Engel v. Vitale?

Engel

Describe the facts of Engel v. Vitale

A public school required a daily prayer. The Court ruled that even non-denominational, voluntary prayer violates the Constitution.

What was Engel v. Vitale challenging?

Government involvement in religion

What was the constitutional clause in Engel v. Vitale?

Establishment Clause (1st Amendment) → prohibits government from establishing or promoting religion

Who won Gideon v. Wainwright?

Gideon

Describe the facts of Gideon v. Wainwright

Gideon was denied a lawyer because he couldn’t afford one. The Court ruled states must provide attorneys in criminal cases.

What was Gideon v. Wainwright challenging?

Right to legal counsel in state courts

What was the constitutional clause in Gideon v. Wainwright?

6th Amendment → guarantees right to an attorney; applied to states through the Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

Who won Tinker v. Des Moines?

Tinker

Describe the facts of Tinker v. Des Moines

Students wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War and were suspended. The Court ruled students have free speech rights as long as it doesn’t disrupt school.

What was Tinker v. Des Moines challenging?

Student expression in schools

What was the constitutional clause in Tinker v. Des Moines?

Free Speech Clause (1st Amendment) → protects symbolic speech

Who won New York Times v. US?

The New York Times

Describe the facts of New York Times v. US

The government tried to stop newspapers from publishing the Pentagon Papers (classified info about Vietnam). The Court ruled this was unconstitutional prior restraint.

What was New York Times v. US challenging?

Government censorship before publication

What was the constitutional clause in New York Times v. US?

Free Press Clause (1st Amendment) → protects the right to publish information

Who won Wisconsin v. Yoder?

Yoder

Describe the facts of Wisconsin v. Yoder

Amish families refused to send children to school past 8th grade for religious reasons. The Court ruled their religious rights outweighed state education laws.

What was Wisconsin v. Yoder challenging?

Conflict between religious freedom and state law

What was the constitutional clause in Wisconsin v. Yoder?

Free Exercise Clause (1st Amendment) → protects the practice of religion

Who won Roe v. Wade?

Roe

Describe the facts of Roe v. Wade

A Texas law banned abortion. The Court ruled that the Constitution protects a woman’s right to choose under the right to privacy (later overturned in 2022).

What was Roe v. Wade challenging?

Whether abortion is a protected right

What was the constitutional clause in Roe v. Wade?

Due Process Clause (14th Amendment) → interpreted to include a right to privacy

Who won Shaw v. Reno?

Shaw

Describe the facts of Shaw v. Reno

North Carolina created unusually shaped voting districts based mainly on race. The Court ruled racial gerrymandering violates the Constitution.

What was Shaw v. Reno challenging?

Use of race in drawing district lines

What was the constitutional clause in Shaw v. Reno?

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment) → prohibits racial discrimination

Who won US v. Lopez?

Lopez

Describe the facts of US v. Lopez

A student brought a gun to school under a federal law. The Court ruled Congress exceeded its power because it wasn’t related to interstate commerce.

What was US v. Lopez challenging?

Limits of federal power

What was the constitutional clause in US v. Lopez?

Commerce Clause (Article I, Sec. 8) → allows Congress to regulate interstate trade

Who won McDonald v. Chicago?

McDonald

Describe the facts of McDonald v. Chicago

Chicago banned handguns. The Court ruled the 2nd Amendment applies to states, meaning they cannot violate this right.

What was McDonald v. Chicago challenging?

Whether states must follow the 2nd Amendment

What was the constitutional clause in McDonald v. Chicago?

2nd Amendment → right to bear arms; applied through Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

Who won Citizens United v. FEC?

Citizens United

Describe the facts of Citizens United v. FEC

A nonprofit wanted to air a political film close to an election. The Court ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political speech.

What was Citizens United v. FEC challenging?

Limits on campaign spending

What was the constitutional clause in Citizens United v. FEC?

Free Speech Clause (1st Amendment) → protects political expression, including spending money