AP GOV Required Cases

Marbury v Madison (1803)

In deciding this case about judicial appointments (Midnight judges not receiving pay), the court established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to declare an act of the legislative or executive branch unconstitutional.

McChulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Can’t tax the bank, federal laws supersede state laws, affirmed necessary and proper clause that Congress had the right to create a bank

Schenck v. US (1919)

Can’t hand out anti draft pamphlets if its a danger to the US, screw the first the espionage act is okay. “Clear and present danger” means the 1st doesn’t apply

Brown v Board (1954)

Can’t segregate schools on race bc it violates the equal protection clause (14th)

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Redistricting must be done with equal population bc of the equal protection clause (14th)

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Can’t pray in schools bc it violates establishment clause of the first amendment, gov can’t help establish or support a religion (they were paying teachers to lead prayer)

Gideon v Wainwright (1963)

6th amendment rights to a lawyer DOES apply to state courts and Gideon was wrongly tried without a lawyer when he requested one.

TInker v Des Moines (1969)

1st amendment, gotta be able to protest the war can’t suspend the students

New York Times Co v US (1971)

Can’t restrict the press, 1st amendment presides over the vague call for security. AKA, NY Times can publish the pentagon papers suck it Nixon

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The amish ❤ can’t be forced to go to 8th grade because it restricts the free exercise clause (religion) of the first amendment.

Shaw v Reno (1993)

Can’t draw district lines solely on race, gotta consider other factors because of the equal protection clause (14th)

US v. Lopez (1995)

Commerce clause does not grant the right to make possession of a gun in a school a federal crime, big overstep bc it is NOT an economic activity

McDonald v Chicago (2010)

Used selective incorporation under the 14th to apply the 2nd amendment to the states, Chicago and the state of Illinois could not restrict guns

Citizens united v FEC (2010)

1st amendment protects political spending by companies, associations, and unions. Political speech is essential to democracy