AP Gov Foundational Documents

Baker v. Carr (1962)

This case addressed the redistricting of legislative districts and established that questions of reapportionment are justiciable, meaning the Supreme Court has the authority to rule on them, as it relates to the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

This case ruled that the 2nd Amendment's protections of gun ownership are applicable to the states through the 14th Amendment, overturning Chicago's handgun ban based on selective incorporation.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

This landmark ruling established the right to free legal counsel in state courts for all defendants charged with serious crimes, incorporating the 6th Amendment via the 14th Amendment.

Roe v. Wade (1972)

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that a woman's right to privacy extends to her decision to have an abortion, establishing that the state cannot restrict access to abortion in the first trimester.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

This ruling struck down campaign finance limits imposed on corporations, asserting that money is a form of speech protected under the 1st Amendment, thus creating super PACs.

NYT v. U.S. (1971)

The court ruled that the government could not impose prior restraint on the publication of the Pentagon Papers, emphasizing the First Amendment's protection of press freedom.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

This unanimous decision declared that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional as it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The court ruled in favor of Yoder, stating that forcing Amish children to attend school beyond eighth grade violated their First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion.

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that speech creating a 'clear and present danger' can be limited during wartime, leading to a unanimous decision against Schenck who opposed the draft.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The ruling confirmed the federal government's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause, establishing the supremacy of federal law over state law.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

The Supreme Court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause, emphasizing state control over gun regulation.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

This case ruled that gerrymandering based solely on race violates the Equal Protection Clause, even if the intent was to enhance minority representation.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This case established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Supreme Court ruled that a New York State law requiring a non-denominational prayer to be recited in schools violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

This case upheld students' rights to free speech in schools, ruling that wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War was protected symbolic speech.

Federalist 78

Written by Hamilton, this paper argues for the independence of the judiciary and the importance of judicial review in maintaining checks and balances.

Declaration of Independence

A document asserting independence from British rule, outlining Enlightenment principles such as natural rights and the social contract.

Federalist 10

Madison discusses the dangers of factions and advocates for a large republic to control their effects, arguing that representation can mitigate their impact.

Brutus 1

An anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution, warning against the risks of a strong central government and advocating for state power.

Articles of Confederation

The initial governing document that created a confederation of sovereign states, with each state having one vote and limited central authority.

The Constitution

Established during the Constitutional Convention, it provides a framework for the federal government, emphasizing a balance of power among the branches.

Federalist 51

Hamilton's discussion on the necessity of government to protect liberty and the importance of checks and balances among governmental branches.