AP Gov Required Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court upheld power of the national government and denied the right of a state to tax the federal bank using the Constitution's supremacy clause. The Court's broad interpretation of the necessary and proper clause paved the way for later rulings upholding expansive federal powers

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Gun Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress' authority to regulate interstate commerce, so Supreme Court ruled that the commerce clause could not be applied to Lopez bringing a gun to a school zone to make a sale (majority)

- Minority: said commerce clause gives rights to regulate local activity

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Baker claimed he and other residents were being denied equal protection under the law because the redistricting made their votes count less compared to more populous areas; (under represented) SC ruled in favor citing the 14th Amendment protecting people with equal protection; federal courts do have power to address issues of under representation in legislative districts

- Minority: Saw no reason for federal courts to deal with drawing of state district lines

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

NC congressional reapportionment plan was initially rejected b/c it only had one black-majority, so another was added. This was questioned as unconstitutional due to the oddly shaped districts. SC reversed decision, stating it violated the Equal Protection Clause, ruling in favor of the voters

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Jefferson won against Adams in election. Adams passed act appointing diff. officials before Jefferson took office. To be finalized, they needed to be delivered by Secretary of State (Madison). Marbury was appointed but Madison didn't deliver commission --> Marbury petitioned for SC to compel Madison to deliver

- SC ruled Madison's refusal illegal, but did not order him to deliever Marbury's commission --> Marbury's claim was unconstitutional b/c it violated Article 3, Section 2

Engel v. Vitale

The 1962 Supreme Court decision holding that state officials violated the First Amendment when they wrote a prayer to be recited by New York's schoolchildren (not allowed in public schools).

- Violated Establishment Clause (the clause in the First Amendment of the US Constitution that prohibits the establishment of religion by Congress)

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Wisconsin tried to fine Amish children for traumcy, but their religion prohibited them attending school after the 14

- SC ruled in favor of Yoder (daughter was not going to school) and that attempt to fine was unconstitutional because it violated the establishment clause and the first amendment

Tinker v. Des Moines

Tinker wore plain black armband in protest of Vietnam. Des Moines School District made a policy to remove armbands

- Majority SC decision ruled that this violated student's first amendment right

Schenck v. United States

A 1919 decision upholding the conviction of a socialist who had urged young men to resist the draft during World War I (convicted of being in violation with Espionage Act). Justice Holmes declared that government can limit speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

New York Times Co. v United States

the Nixon Administration attempted to prevent the New York Times and Washington Post from publishing materials about US activities in Vietnam

- SC ruled that Nixon admin violated first amendment b/c documents did not pose threat

McDonald v. Chicago

Chicago and Oak Park had gun bans that were challenged b/c of opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller (set precedent leading to Seventh Circuit Court)

- SC ruled that the 14 Amendment due process clause incorporates 2nd amendment into rights of the state's

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Gideon was denied requested counsel b/c of precedent set by Betts v. Brady, where it was ruled that counsel could be denied to defendants prosecuted by a state.

- SC overruled BvB b/c 6th amendment gives right to counsel and 14th protects citizen's from having their rights being infringed upon by states

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Jane Roe filed a lawsuit against Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, saying that the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments protected her right for an abortion

- SC ruled Texas law that made abortion illegal was unconstitutional b/c the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause protects the right to privacy, a woman has the right to choose an abortion,

Brown v. Board of Education

1954 - The Supreme Court overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.

- Violated Equal Protection Clause in 14th Amendment

Citizens United v. FEC

Citizens United wanted to make movies about Hilary showing she was unfit for presidency but FEC prevented large corps from funding a candidate (CU sued)

- SC overruled Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce and portions of McConnell v. FEC, saying that first amendment protects corps funding b/c it is a form of free speech

The Declaration of Independence

the formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain

The Articles of Confederation

the first written constitution of the United States. Stemming from wartime urgency, its progress was slowed by fears of central authority and extensive land claims by states before was it was ratified on March 1, 1781. Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison states that one of the strongest arguments in favor of the Constitution is the fact that it establishes a government capable of controlling the violence and damage caused by factions.

Brutus No. 1

Brutus considered whether or not the thirteen states should be reduced to one republic as the Federalists proposed. After examining various clauses in the Constitution, he determined that this would essentially create a federal government that will "possess absolute and uncontrollable power. He believed the necessary and proper clause along with the supremacy clause will render the states to be powerless.

Federalist No. 51

This document highlights the theory and/or practice of checks and balances between the three branches of government.

The Constitution of the United States

A document that embodies the fundamental laws, principles and structure of the U.S. government.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton argued the need for an executive branch and for one main person (the president) to preside over the branch.

Federalist No. 78

The potential power of judicial review is explained. It argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional and to follow the Constitution when there is inconsistency. Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress.

Letters from a Birmingham Jail

The most prominent themes in this letter are justice, Christianity, civil disobedience, and freedom. King employs the rhetorical devices of ethos, logos, and pathos as he argues that denying justice to one person threatens justice for everyone.