Court cases

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case confirming Congress's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and establishing federal supremacy over states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its powers.

U.S. v. Lopez

Supreme Court case ruling that the federal government exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause regarding gun possession in school zones.

Commerce Clause

Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

Shaw v. Reno

Supreme Court case that imposed strict scrutiny on racial redistricting to ensure compliance with the Equal Protection Clause.

Equal Protection Clause

Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment ensuring that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Baker v. Carr

Supreme Court case establishing federal courts' jurisdiction over state redistricting and affirming the one person, one vote standard.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress or the executive unconstitutional.

Engel v. Vitale

Supreme Court case that ruled school-sponsored prayer unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Establishment Clause

Clause in the First Amendment prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Supreme Court case affirming the right to counsel as a fundamental right under the Sixth Amendment applicable to the states.

Sixth Amendment

Amendment that guarantees the right to a fair trial, including the right to counsel.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Supreme Court case affirming students' right to free speech in public schools under the First Amendment.

First Amendment

Amendment that protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Supreme Court case recognizing the rights of Amish parents to educate their children according to their religious beliefs, under the Free Exercise Clause.

Free Exercise Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

New York Times Co. v. United States

Supreme Court case reinforcing freedom of the press and restricting prior restraint based on national security.

Schenck v. United States

Supreme Court case ruling that free speech can be limited if it presents a 'clear and present danger' to public safety.