AP Government & Politics Case Summaries Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for AP Government & Politics key cases.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

A case about whether federal courts could rule on how states draw their state boundaries for electing state legislature members.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Ruled that segregation in public schools violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, stating separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruled that the First Amendment prohibits limits on corporate funding of independent broadcasts in candidate elections.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Ruled that school-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Ruled that the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel in criminal cases extends to defendants in state courts.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, stating the Supreme Court has the authority to strike down laws conflicting with the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Clarified that Congress has implied powers and federal law is supreme over state law when laws conflict.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

Ruled that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Ruled that the government's effort to prevent newspapers from publishing classified information violated the First Amendment protection of freedom of the press.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Recognized a woman’s right to an abortion is protected by the Constitution, based on the right to privacy.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Ruled that speech can be punished if it creates a clear and present danger of producing a harm that Congress is authorized to prevent.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that redistricting plans that cannot be understood as anything other than an effort to divide voters based on race can be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause.

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

Ruled that students retain their constitutional right to freedom of speech while in public schools if it is not disruptive.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress’ authority under the Commerce Clause because carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Ruled that the state's interest in compulsory education did not override the parent's First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.