Required AP Gov Cases

U.S. v. Lopez

Congress cannot use the Commerce Clause to regulate gun possession in schools (Gun-Free School Zones Act unconstitutional)

McCulloch v. Maryland

Congress has implied powers and states cannot tax federal institutions (national supremacy)

Citizens United v. FEC

Political spending by corporations/unions is protected free speech under the First Amendment

Shaw v. Reno

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional if race is the primary factor in drawing districts

Baker v. Carr

Redistricting issues are justiciable (courts can hear them), leading to “one person, one vote”

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review (Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional)

Engel v. Vitale

School-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Compulsory school attendance laws cannot violate free exercise of religion (Amish exemption)

Schenck v. U.S.

Speech creating a “clear and present danger” is not protected by the First Amendment

New York Times v. U.S.

Prior restraint is unconstitutional unless there is a serious threat to national security

Tinker v. Des Moines

Students have free speech rights in school unless it disrupts learning

McDonald v. Chicago

Second Amendment right to bear arms applies to the states (via incorporation)

Gideon v. Wainwright

States must provide attorneys to defendants who cannot afford one

Roe v. Wade

Constitutional right to privacy protects a woman’s right to choose an abortion (with limits)

Brown v. Board of Education

Racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional (“separate but equal” is invalid)