AP U.S. Government & Politics Required SCOTUS Cases

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the required SCOTUS cases, their constitutional clauses, and historical rulings as presented in the lecture notes.

Marbury v Madison (1803)

A unanimous decision that established judicial review and the ability of the court to strike down federal law under Article 3.

McCulloch v Maryland (1819)

A unanimous decision upholding federal power (Supremacy) by ruling that Congress can establish a bank because it is Necessary and proper as expressed power (currency).

US v Lopez (1995)

A 5-4 decision ruling that the possession of a gun is not an economic activity covered by the commerce clause, restricting the federal government's use of commerce power.

Baker v Carr (1961)

Established the principle of "1 man = 1 vote," ruling that House legislative districts should be relatively equal in population under Article 1.

Shaw v Reno (1993)

A 5-4 decision ruling that race cannot be the only factor when drawing districts (gerrymandering) and questioning race-based blocs under Article 1.

Engel v Vitale (1962)

A 6-1 decision ruling that public school prayer violates the Establishment Clause (wall of separation) applied to states via the 14th amendment.

Wisconsin v Yoder (1972)

A unanimous decision under the Exercise clause of Amendment 1 ruling that exceptions to laws for sincerely held religious beliefs are permissible if there is no threat to public safety.

Tinker v Des Moines ISD (1969)

A 7-2 decision confirming that symbolic speech (wearing an armband) is protected and that students do not lose their rights at the school hours gate unless it disrupts the school's function.

NY Times vs US (1971)

A 6-3 decision ruling that the president may not use executive privilege or power to circumvent the freedom of press when there is no threat to national security.

Schenck v US (1919)

A unanimous decision under Amendment 1 and the 14th amendment ruling that speech can be restricted if it puts others in "clear and present danger," particularly during wartime.

Gideon V Wainwright (1963)

An incorporation and procedural due process case that uses the 14th amendment to require states to provide an attorney per the 6th amendment.

Roe v Wade (1973)

A 7-2 decision ruling that the right to privacy found in the 9th amendment and applied via the 14th amendment allows a woman to have a first trimester abortion.

McDonald v Chicago (2010)

A 5-4 decision that served as the final incorporation case, ruling that states may not limit or ban handguns because of the 2nd amendment and 14th amendment due process clause.

Brown v Board of Education (1954)

Ruled that "Separate is inherently unequal" in education and that states must provide equal protection under the 14th amendment.

Citizens United v FEC (2010)

A 5-4 decision stating that private groups may spend unlimited money on campaign ads as protected free speech under the 1st amendment.