AP Gov SCOTUS cases

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established national supremacy & implied powers; states cannot tax; strengthened federal government

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Commerce clause of Constitution does not give Congress the power to regulate guns near state-operated schools; guns are NOT an economic issue

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Prohibited state-sponsored recitation of prayer/religious activity in public schools by virtue of 1st Amendment's establishment clause and the 14th Amendment's due process clause

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The Court ruled that Wisconsin could not require Amish parents to send their children to public school beyond the 8th grade because it would violate long-held religious beliefs.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Guaranteed a student's right to protest (wearing armbands during WW2).

New York Times v. US (1971)

(Vietnam War Incident in NY Times) The case established that the government could not prevent the publication of classified information unless it posed a direct, immediate threat to national security.

Schenk v. United States (1919)

speech creating a "clear and present danger" is not protected by the 1st Amendment; free speech does not guarantee protection (WW1 fliers)

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Guaranteed the right to an attorney for the poor or indigent in a state felony case

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Incorporated the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states; cities cannot ban firearms

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

unanimously held that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Political Spending by corporations, associations, and labor unions is a form of protected speech under the 1st Amendment during campaigns (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act unconstitutional)

Baker v. Carr (1962)

"One man, one vote." Ordered state legislative districts to be as near equal as possible in population (proportionally equal)

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

NO racial gerrymandering; race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries; majority-minority districts; cannot purposefully create districts to ensure racial equality.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review empowering the Supreme Court to nullify an act of the legis. or exec. branch that violates the Constitution