Key Supreme Court Cases and Their Constitutional Principles

This set of flashcards covers key Supreme Court cases and their related constitutional principles.

What was the outcome of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?

States must provide attorneys for defendants who can't afford one.

What principle did McDonald v. Chicago (2010) establish regarding the Second Amendment?

The Second Amendment's right to bear arms applies to the states through the 14th Amendment.

What did Shaw v. Reno (1993) rule about congressional district drawing?

Congressional districts cannot be drawn based solely on race.

What was the holding of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

Corporations are considered people, and corporate funding of independent political expenditures cannot be limited.

What does Engel v. Vitale (1962) state about prayer in public schools?

States cannot hold prayers in public schools, even if participation is voluntary.

What did the Supreme Court decide in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Congress has implied powers and can create a national bank; states cannot tax the national government.

What was the significance of US v. Lopez (1995)?

Possession of a gun in a school zone does not affect interstate commerce, making the federal law unconstitutional.

What was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Judicial review and the power of courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws.

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

Reapportionment claims are justiciable in federal court under the equal protection clause.

What did Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) rule about school attendance and religious beliefs?

Compelling Amish students to attend public school beyond 8th grade violates their free exercise of religion.

What was ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) about student speech?

Students have the right to symbolic speech in school and cannot be punished without justification.

What does Schenck v. U.S. (1919) say about free speech during wartime?

The Espionage Act did not violate the First Amendment; free speech can be limited during wartime.