Key Supreme Court Cases and Their Impact

These flashcards cover significant Supreme Court cases and legal principles in American government, detailing their impact and key rulings.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case established that states cannot tax the federal government, illustrating the supremacy of the federal government over states.

Federalism

The dynamic distribution of power between the national and state governments.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

A landmark Supreme Court case ruling that school-sponsored prayer violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Case that held that the Amish community's right to practice their religion outweighed the state's interest in compulsory education.

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

Supreme Court case that upheld students’ rights to free speech in public schools.

New York Times Company v. United States (1971)

A case that affirmed the freedom of the press and limited prior restraint.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for restrictions on free speech.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

This case ruled that the state must provide an attorney to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford to hire their own counsel.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

A landmark decision that ruled that a state law that banned abortions was unconstitutional.

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

This case affirmed that the First Amendment's provisions apply to state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

The Supreme Court recognized the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense in the home, applying the Second Amendment to the states.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

This case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education I (1954)

This landmark case declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Brown v. Board of Education II (1955)

Follow-up case that required schools to desegregate with 'all deliberate speed.'

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

This case held that spending money to influence elections is a form of constitutionally protected free speech.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

A decision that ruled that political spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Established that federal courts have the authority to review legislative redistricting in states.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

This case held that redistricting based on race must be held to a standard of strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review in the U.S., empowering the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that are contrary to the Constitution.