AP GOV REQUIRED SCOTUS CASES

U.S. v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case concerning the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990; it held that Congress had exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause.

Baker v. Carr

A case that established the principle of 'one person, one vote' in legislative apportionment, making reapportionment claims justiciable in federal court.

Shaw v. Reno

A case addressing the constitutionality of racially gerrymandered districts, examining whether it raised valid constitutional issues under the 14th Amendment.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that voluntary prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, as it cannot be saved from unconstitutionality by its non-denominational nature.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Held that Wisconsin's requirement to send children to school until age 16 violated the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, as it infringed on religious beliefs.

Tinker v. Des Moines

This case established that students do not lose their First Amendment rights upon entering school, and symbolic speech is protected unless it causes substantial disruption.

Schenck v. U.S.

Held that the Espionage Act was constitutional and that Schenck’s distribution of anti-draft flyers was not protected speech during wartime due to it being deemed dangerous.

NY Times v. U.S.

Ruled that the Nixon administration's attempt to prevent publication of the Pentagon Papers was a violation of the First Amendment due to prior restraint.

McDonald v. Chicago

Held that the Second Amendment's right to bear arms is applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, thus extending protections established in D.C. v. Heller.

Gideon v. Wainwright

The Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel is applicable to states through the Fourteenth Amendment, ensuring the right to legal representation in criminal cases.

Brown v. Board of Education

A landmark Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, effectively ending racial segregation in schools.