Cases and amendments

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Case that dealt with federalism. The constitutional issue was this if congress had the power to created the bank and if states could tax a federal entity/bank.

United states v. Lopez (1995)

Case that dealt with federalism. The constitutional issue involved the commerce clause and whether gun-free school zone act of 1990 exceeded the power allowed by the clause.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Case involving the first amendment. Constitutional issues was that the voluntary prayer in school violated the establishment clause of the first amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Case involving the first amendment. The constitutional issue was with the free exercise clause because the amish said that sending their child to school went against their religion since the religion didn’t require for children to go to school.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

Case involving the first amendment. The constitutional issue was that the ban against armbands violated symbolic protest (freedom of expression), which is the freedom of speech clause in the first amendment.

New York Times Co v. United States (1971)

Case involving the first amendment. The constitutional issue was whether if Nixon was allowed to exercise prior restraint through the courts and this violated freedom of press.

Schenck v. United states (1919)

Case involving the first amendment. The constitutional issue was if the espionage act violated the first amendment and if it was appropriate if congress exercise its wartime authority.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Case involving selective incorporation. The constitutional issue was whether the right to counsel was guaranteed in the sixth amendment.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Case involving selective incorporation. Constitutional issue was if abortion was in the right to privacy was protected by the fourteenth amendment. This ruling expanded the definition of privacy.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Case involving selective incorporation. The constitutional issue was if the second amendment (interpreted as an individual right) was extended to the states.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Case involving equal protection clause. The constitutional issue was if the previous court ruling of “separate but equal” went against the fourteenth amendment.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Case involving federal policy. Constitutional issue was whether BCRA applied to nonprofit or if the first amendment’s free speech clause protected such political speech.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Case involving redistricting and representation. Constitutional issue was whether the supreme court had the authority to hear cases that related to legislative apportionment.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Case involving distracting and representation. Constitutional issue was whether racial gerrymandering took place with a district and if the district raised an equal protection clause question.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Case involving judicial review. Constitutional issue was whether the court had the authority to order the delivery of commission and if a federal judge could even bring a case to court.

1st amendment

Establishment clause, free exercise clause, freedom of speech clause, freedom of press, freedom to petition the government and to protest.

2nd amendment

the right to bear arms.

3rd amendment

No quartering of troops.

4th amendment

The right to privacy against unreasonable searches and seizures without warrants. Exclusionary rule- evidence brought to the court against the victim that was obtained without a warrant cannot is not valid.

5th amendment

Due process, eminent domain, no double jeopardy, protection against self incrimination (Miranda rights).

6th amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial, the defendant must be informed of the charge upon when they are tried, has the right to an attorney, and has the right to require testimony of a witness.

7th amendment

Right to trial by jury in civil cases.

8th amendment

Protection against cruel and unusual punishment and excessive fines/bail.

9th amendment

Unenumerated rights to the people.

10th amendment

Reserved powers to the states.

11th amendment

No state can be sued in federal court.

12th amendment

Election process of the president and vice president.

13th amendment

Abolishment of slavery.

14th amendment

All people born on U.S. soil/ U.S. territory are citizens. Privileges and immunities clause, due process again, and equal protection. Representatives apportioned among states based by population with at least a census every 10 years. Limits the presidential power to pardon those who led the confederacy in the civil war.

15th amendment

The right to vote cannot be taken away based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th amendment

Congress has the right to tax (income and direct).

17th amendment

Popular election of senators.

18th amendment

Prohibition of alcohol. (ratified by the 21th amendment).

19th amendment

Gives women the right to vote.

20th amendment

Sets terms of president and vp, sessions of congress, what happens when the president dies.

21st amendment

Repealed the 18th amendment.

22nd amendment

Presidential tenure; presidents can’t serve more than 2 terms. President cannot serve more than 10 years.

23rd amendment

Presidential electors for the District of Columbia. (Electoral college apportionment for DC), can’t have more than 3 electors.

24th amendment

Made poll taxes illegal, or any tax imposed on voting.

25th amendment

What happens in the removal/inability of the president and vp.

26th amendment

The right to vote to anyone 18 and older.

27th amendment

Congress always gets payed, has the ability to adjust the salaries of congressmen and congresswomen.