Foundational & Federal Power Cases

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court power to strike down unconstitutional laws.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Confirmed Congress’s implied powers (under the Necessary and Proper Clause) and ruled that states can’t tax the federal government.

United States v. Nixon (1974)

Limited presidential power; held that executive privilege is not absolute—Nixon had to turn over Watergate tapes.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Restricted Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause; struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act as beyond federal power.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Stopped Florida’s recount in the 2000 election, effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush.