AP US Gov

McCulloch vs Maryland (1819)

Founding Principle: Federalism

Issue: The State of Maryland tried taxing a national bank established in Maryland. The Federal Bank Cashier, McCulloch, refused to pay the tax, arguing that the state did not have the right to tax a Federal Institution.

Ruling: The Necessary and Proper Clause stated that Congress had a right to establish a National Bank and the State of Maryland did not have the right to tax it under the Supremacy Clause.

US vs Lopez (1995)

Founding Principle: Federalism

Issue: A student, Lopez, was charged with violating a Federal law that banned firearms in schools for carrying a concealed weapon. Congress tried to argue their point under the Commerce Clause

Ruling: The Court ruled that Congress had overstepped

Tinker vs Des Moines (1965)

Founding Principle: Freedom of Speech

Issue: Students John and Mary Beth Tinker wore black armbands to school to protest the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War, which was prohibited by the school. The Tinkers sued for unconstitutional suspension

Ruling: The Court Ruled in favor of Tinker under the First Amendment, setting a precedent for freedom of expression in schools.

Schneck vs United States (1919)

Founding Principle: Freedom of Speech/Limited Government

Issue: Charles Schenck, an anti-war socialist, was arrested by the Federal Government for circulating a pamphlet encouraging men to resist the draft and violating the Espionage Act of 1917

Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled that wartime circumstances changed the rules related to free speech and resulted in the Clear and Present Danger rule

Gideon vs Wainwright

Founding Principle: Due Process

Issue: Gideon was arrested and charged with breaking and entering and his request for a state-provided defense attorney was denied since Florida law only required doing so for capital offense cases. He argued that Florida violated the 6th Amendment’s guarantee of the right to counsel.

Ruling: The Court ruled that the 6th Amendment’s guarantee of an attorney applies to states through the selective incorporation in the 14th Amendment