Essential Supreme Court Cases for AP Government: Key Rulings and Constitutional Principles

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case set a precedent for a broad interpretation of federal powers, strengthening the national government over the states.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

This case marked the first time in decades that the Supreme Court limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The New York State Board of Regents authorized a voluntary, non-denominational prayer to be recited in public schools, which was challenged for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The Court ruled 7-0 in favor of Yoder, finding Wisconsin's law unconstitutional as applied to the Amish.

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

During the Vietnam War, students wore black armbands to protest, leading to a suspension and a lawsuit claiming violation of First Amendment rights.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

The Nixon administration sought to prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers, citing national security concerns.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

He was charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 for interfering with military operations, arguing it violated his First Amendment right to free speech.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with felony breaking and entering and requested a court-appointed lawyer due to inability to afford one.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

The Supreme Court held that a woman's decision to have an abortion falls under the right to privacy protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Challenged Chicago's handgun ban, arguing it violated Second Amendment rights after the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

The case consolidated lawsuits against public school segregation, focusing on the experiences of African American students denied admission due to state segregation laws.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

In 2008, Citizens United created a documentary critical of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Tennessee's legislature had not reapportioned districts to account for population shifts, leading to unequal weight of votes in rural versus urban districts.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Plaintiffs argued that a district was drawn in a strange shape for racial gerrymandering, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver commissions after his appointment was refused.