AP Gov Exam Preparation: Required Cases, Amendments, and Documents

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering the 15 required Supreme Court cases, key constitutional amendments, and 9 foundational documents as presented in the AP Gov exam review notes.

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of Judicial Review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

It confirmed federal Supremacy and "implied powers," ruling that states cannot tax federal banks.

In United States v. Lopez (1995), why was the Gun-Free School Zones Act ruled unconstitutional?

The Court ruled that carrying a gun in a school zone is not considered "interstate commerce," thereby limiting Congress’s power.

Which case ruled that public schools cannot lead students in prayer because it violates the Establishment Clause?

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

What was the ruling in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) regarding education?

Amish parents can remove their children from school for religious reasons under the Free Exercise Clause.

What standard for student free speech was established in Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?

Students have free speech (such as wearing armbands) at school unless it causes a "substantial disruption."

What is the significance of New York Times v. U.S. (1971) for the press?

It bolstered freedom of the press by ruling the government cannot use "prior restraint" (censorship) without a massive security threat.

Which 1919 case established that speech can be limited if it creates a "clear and present danger"?

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

What right did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) guarantee for the poor?

The right to an attorney, even in state courts.

What was the outcome of McDonald v. Chicago (2010)?

The right to bear arms applies to states/cities, not just the federal government.

Which case overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine in public schools?

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

What principle was established in Baker v. Carr (1962) regarding redistricting?

The "one person, one vote" principle.

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding racial gerrymandering in Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

Drawing weirdly shaped districts based only on race is illegal.

What was the constitutional basis for the ruling in Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

Corporate and union funding of political ads is considered free speech and cannot be limited.

Which amendment protects the five freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition?

1st Amendment

What is the focus of the 2nd Amendment?

The right to bear arms, centering on individual versus state rights.

Which amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure?

4th Amendment

What does the 10th Amendment establish regarding federalism?

Powers not specifically given to the federal government go to the states.

Why is the 14th Amendment considered the most important for AP Gov?

It contains the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses used to apply the Bill of Rights to the states.

What did the 15th Amendment guarantee?

Voting rights cannot be denied based on race.

Which amendment changed the election process for Senators?

17th Amendment (Direct election of Senators)

Which amendment granted women the right to vote?

19th Amendment

How did the 22nd Amendment check executive power?

By limiting Presidents to two terms in office.

What does the 25th Amendment address?

Presidential succession (what happens if the President is disabled or dies).

What was the result of the 26th Amendment?

The voting age was lowered to 18.

According to the lecture, what is the answer to most questions about the Supreme Court applying a right to the states?

Selective Incorporation via the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

What key ideas were established in the Declaration of Independence?

Popular sovereignty, natural rights (life, liberty, property), and the right to rebel against tyranny.

What were the primary weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government could not tax, had no executive branch, and no national court; Shays’ Rebellion proved it was ineffective.

What core principles were created by the U.S. Constitution to strengthen the central government?

Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism.

What is James Madison's argument in Federalist No. 10?

A large republic is the best way to control factions because no single group can take over.

What was the main warning in Brutus No. 1?

A large central government will become tyrannical and destroy state power, arguing a republic only works in a small, local setting.

What does Federalist No. 51 explain regarding the structure of government?

Checks and Balances, arguing that by pitting branches against each other, the government is forced to control itself.

Why does Alexander Hamilton argue for a unitary executive in Federalist No. 70?

One person can act quickly in a crisis and is easier for the public to hold accountable than a group.

According to Federalist No. 78, why does the judiciary need Judicial Review?

To protect the Constitution from other branches, as the judiciary lacks the "sword" (military) or the "purse" (money).

What does Martin Luther King Jr. defend in Letter from Birmingham Jail?

Civil disobedience and the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, arguing there is a moral responsibility to break unjust laws.