AP GOV Required Cases

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This case established the principle of judicial review, which gives the Supreme Court the power to declare federal and state laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case established the principle of federal supremacy, which holds that federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

This case dealt with the issue of slavery and held that African Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue in federal court.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

This case upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" segregation laws, which were later overturned by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)

This case established the principle of "actual malice," which requires public figures to prove that a newspaper or other media outlet acted with reckless disregard for the truth in order to win a defamation lawsuit.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

This case established a woman's right to have an abortion, subject to certain limitations.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

This case overturned a ban on corporate and union spending on political campaigns, holding that such spending is protected by the First Amendment's freedom of speech clause.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

This case established the principle of "Miranda rights," which requires law enforcement officers to inform individuals of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney when they are arrested.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

This case held that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."

United States v. Nixon (1974)

This case upheld the principle of the rule of law, holding that the President is not above the law and must comply with a subpoena to turn over evidence in a criminal investigation.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

This case struck down a federal law that banned guns in school zones, holding that Congress did not have the authority to regulate firearms under the Commerce Clause.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

This case ended the recount of votes in the 2000 presidential election and effectively decided the outcome of the election in favor of George W. Bush.

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

This case held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms for self-defense in the home.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

This case legalized same-sex marriage in the United States, holding that the 14th Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses guarantee the right to marry to same-sex couples.

Janus v. AFSCME (2018)

This case held that public sector employees cannot be required to pay union fees as a condition of employment, even if they are not members of the union.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972):

This case held that Amish parents could not be required to send their children to public school, as it violated their religious beliefs.

Engle v. Vitale (1962):

This case held that a school prayer in public schools were unconstitutonal due to the establishment clause.

Schenck v. United States (1919):

This case held that speech that causes "clear and present danger" is not protected by the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963):

This case ensures that all defendants have the right to legal representation in criminal cases. ( 6th amendment)

Chicago v. McDonald (2010):

This case held that the Second Amendment's right to bear arms applies to state and local governments, and that they cannot enact laws that infringe on this right.