AP Government Important Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Confirmed the federal government's implied powers and that state laws cannot tax federal institutions.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for the government to carry out its duties.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Allowed Congress to regulate interstate commerce, broadly interpreting the Commerce Clause.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate trade among the states.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

Ruled that African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Schenck v. United States

Established the 'clear and present danger' standard for limiting free speech.

Miranda rights

Legal rights read to a suspect upon arrest, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Affirmed students' rights to free speech in public schools.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that government-directed prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.

Roe v. Wade

Legalized abortion nationwide, recognizing a woman's right to privacy.

Shaw v. Reno

Declared racial gerrymandering unconstitutional, emphasizing equality in legislative districting.

Citizens United v. FEC

Ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political campaigns under free speech.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Legalized same-sex marriage, affirming the right to marry as a fundamental liberty.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection under the law.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Right to Counsel

Sixth Amendment right ensuring legal representation for defendants.

Right to Privacy

Implied right that protects individual privacy from government intrusion.