AP GOV COURT CASES

Question 1

Give A Summary Of Marbury v. Madison

Answer 1

The 1800 election ended in a defeat for John Adams to Thomas Jefferson. Before Adams’ term ended, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1801 (creating new courts, adding new judges). It was an effort by John Adams to keep his own influence in federal courts even though he was leaving office (still occurs today.) His appointments to these courts, however, were not valid until the appointed judges were delivered their commissions by Jefferson’s Secretary of State. Marbury was one of the judges appointed; however, his commission was not delivered.

Question 2

Give A Summary Of Baker v Carr

Answer 2

Charles Baker stated that an old law (1901) that detailed the apportionment for Tennessee’s General Assembly had been ignored, and stated that reapportionment did not take into account the significant change that the state had gone through.

Question 3

Give A Summary Of Tinker v Des Moines

Answer 3

A group of students decided to wear black armbands in order to protest the Vietnam War. Mary Beth Tinker and Christopher Eckhardt decided that they would wear their armbands to school despite warnings from school administration. After wearing the armbands to school, they were sent home. The students decided to sue their school district for violating the freedom of expression.

Question 4

Give A Summary Of Roe v Wade

Answer 4

Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) wanted an abortion but could not legally have one in the state of Texas, because of a state law that prohibited abortions except in cases where the mother’s life was in danger. She questioned the legality of this law.

Question 5

Give A Summary Of McDonald v Chicago

Answer 5

Chicago passed a handgun ban law, and several suits were filed against the city challenging the ban after another case (District of Columbia v. Heller). In that case, the Court had held that a DC handgun ban violated the Second Amendment. There, since the law was enacted by the federal government, the Second Amendment was applicable.

Question 6

Give A Summary Of McCulloch v Maryland

Answer 6

In 1816, the Second Bank of the United States was chartered; soon after, in 1818, however, Maryland decided to pass a law that imposed taxes on the bank. James McCulloch, who served as a cashier at the Baltimore branch of the Second Bank, decided not to pay the tax. The state court had ruled that the Bank was unconstitutional, to begin with, and that the federal government did not have the authority to charter a bank

Question 7

Give A Summary Of Engel v Vitale

Answer 7

The New York Board of Regents had authorized that at the beginning of each day, a short but voluntary prayer would be recited. Several organizations filed suit against the Board of Regents, claiming that the prayer violated the Constitution. The New York Court of Appeals dismissed their arguments.

Question 8

Give A Summary Of New York Time Co. v U.S.

Answer 8

This case, also known as the Pentagon Papers case had to do with the First Amendment. The Nixon Administration tried to prevent the New York Times from publishing material that belonged to a Defense Department study about US intervention in Vietnam. President Nixon stated that it was necessary to national security to prohibit it before publication, also known as prior restraint.

Question 9

Give A Summary Of Shaw v Reno

Answer 9

Several North Carolina residents challenged a proposed, unusually shaped district. They believed that the only purpose of the district was that it would definitely elect African-American representatives.

Question 10

Give A Summary Of Citizens United v FEC

Answer 10

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 had previously banned corporations from independent political spending and direct contributions to campaigns or political parties. In 2008, Citizens United was not allowed to show an anti-Hillary Clinton movie.

Question 11

Give A Summary Of Brown v Board of Education

Answer 11

This is one of the most famous cases in US history. Relating to the racial segregation of schools, African American students had been denied admittance to public schools because of these segregation laws, and many argued that this was in violation of the Constitution.

Question 12

Give A Summary Of Gideon v Wainwright

Answer 12

Clarence Earl Gideon was charged in Florida state court on a felony - breaking and entering charge. During his trial, Gideon requested that he receive a court-appointed lawyer; however, in accordance with Florida State law, an indigent defendant could only have an attorney be appointed in capital crimes/cases. Gideon then filed a habeas corpus suit, stating that the court’s decision violated his rights to be represented.

Question 13

Give A Summary Of Wisconsin v Yoder

Answer 13

Jonas Yoder, as well as other Amish parents, refused to send their children to school after the 8th grade. In accordance with their religion, they did not agree with high school attendance. They were later charged under a Wisconsin law that required students to attend school until age 16.

Question 14

Give A Summary Of U.S. v Lopez

Answer 14

Alfonzo Lopez was a Texas high school senior who took a concealed weapon inside his school. Federal charges were soon imposed because of his violation of the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. The act stated that individuals could not possess firearms within school zones based on the premise of the Commerce Clause.

Question 15

Give A Summary Of Schenck v U.S.

Answer 15

During World War I, a pair of socialists, including Charles Schenck distributed leaflets that stated the draft violated the 13th Amendment - which prohibits involuntary servitude. The leaflet wanted people to disobey the draft. Schenck was charged with violating the Espionage Act of 1917. They appealed on the grounds of the First Amendment..

Question 16

What Was The Impact Of Marbury V Madison

Answer 16

This case established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to interpret the Constitution and declare laws unconstitutional, significantly influencing the balance of power among the branches of government.

Question 17

What Was The Impact Of McCulloch v Maryland

Answer 17

This case established implied powers, allowing the federal government to have powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution. It also clarified that federal law is supreme over state law.

Question 18

What Was The Impact Of Brown v Board of Education

Answer 18

This landmark decision overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson and mandated desegregation of public schools, which had a profound impact on civil rights and social justice.

Question 19

What Was The Impact Of Baker v Carr

Answer 19

This case opened the door for courts to review congressional redistricting, ensuring a more equitable system of representation for citizens.

Question 20

What Was The Impact Of Engel v Vitale

Answer 20

This case addressed the issue of mandatory prayer in public schools, ruling that it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Question 21

What Was The Impact Of Wisconsin v Yoder

Answer 21

It established the precedent that an individual’s religious interests supersede a state’s interests in compulsory education

Question 22

What Was The Impact Of Gideon v Wainwright

Answer 22

This case guaranteed the right to legal counsel in criminal cases, ensuring that everyone, even the indigent, has a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

Question 23

What Was The Impact Of New York Times v U.S

Answer 23

This case upheld the First Amendment rights of the press to publish information, even if it is sensitive or embarrassing to the government.

Question 24

What Was The Impact Of Citizens United v FEC

Answer 24

This case had a significant impact on campaign finance, ruling that corporations and unions can spend unlimited amounts of money on political advertising, as long as it is not directly coordinated with a candidate.

Question 25

What Was The Impact Of Shaw v Reno

Answer 25

Redistricting was held to new standards of justification; in general, race could no longer be the sole basis for creating or modifying a voting district. The case was repeatedly used as a roadblock to the creation of majority-minority voting districts after 1993

Question 26

What Was The Impact Of U.S. v Lopez

Answer 26

Lopez struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which prohibited possession of firearms within one thousand feet of a school. More important is the basic change that Lopez made in Commerce Clause analysis. & Congress could no longer use the commerce clause to regulate the possession of firearms in public schools.

Question 27

What Was The Impact Of Schneck v U.S.

Answer 27

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, upheld Schenck's conviction and established the "clear and present danger" test. This test allowed the government to restrict speech if it posed an immediate threat to national security or the public good, particularly during wartime

Question 28

What Was The Impact Of McDonald v Chicago

Answer 28

The McDonald decision has had a profound impact on the interpretation of the Second Amendment and on the regulation of guns. By applying the right to bear arms to the states, the Supreme Court constrained the extent to which state and local governments can regulate firearms.

Question 29

What Was The Impact Of Roe v Wade

Answer 29

This case established a constitutional right to abortion, primarily based on the right to privacy.

Question 30

What Was The Impact Of Tinker v Des Moines

Answer 30

This case made an impact by deciding that school officials cannot censor student speech unless it materially and substantially disrupts the educational process

Question 31

What Is Implied Through The Commerce Clause

Answer 31

Grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes

Question 32

What Is Implied Through The Due Process Clause

Answer 32

Guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Question 33

What Is Implied Through The Equal Protection Clause

Answer 33

Requires states to treat all persons equally under the law.

Question 34

What Is Implied Through The Establishment Clause

Answer 34

Prohibits the government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over another.

Question 35

What Is Implied Through The Free Exercise Clause

Answer 35

Protects the right of individuals to practice their religion freely.

Question 36

What Is Implied Through The Supremacy Clause

Answer 36

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws.

Question 37

What Is Implied Through The Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer 37

Grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Question 38

What Is Implied Through The Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer 38

Requires states to respect the laws and judicial proceedings of other states.

Question 39

What Is Implied Through The Privileges and Immunities Clause

Answer 39

Guarantees that citizens of each state are entitled to the same privileges and immunities as citizens of other states.

Question 40

What Is Implied Through The General Welfare Clause

Answer 40

Grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.

Question 41

Give A Summary Of The Declaration of Independence

Answer 41

A document declaring the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain. It asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. It also details the colonists' grievances against King George III, justifying their decision to revolt and form a new government.

Question 42

Give A Summary Of Articles of Confederation

Answer 42

It is the first constitution for the United States, creating a weak central government with limited powers and emphasizing state sovereignty. This framework established a "league of friendship" among the thirteen states, primarily focused on shared defense and promoting economic stability. However, it also faced significant weaknesses, including the inability to levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, and enforce laws effectively.

Question 43

Give A Summary Of the Constitution

Answer 43

Is known for establishing a federal government with three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and guaranteeing certain rights to citizens. It outlines the structure of the federal government, defines its powers, and protects individual liberties through the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments)

Question 44

Give A Summary Of the Bill of Rights

Answer 44

It outlines fundamental rights and liberties for individuals, particularly in relation to the government. It protects freedoms like speech, religion, and the press, and sets rules for due process of law and the rights of the accused. Additionally, it reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Question 45

Give A Summary Of Brutus 1

Answer 45

It argues against the proposed U.S. Constitution, specifically its potential to create a large, centralized republic. It warns that such a large government would be difficult to manage, lead to corruption, and ultimately threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty. Brutus believed that a decentralized government with stronger state powers was the best way to protect liberty.

Question 46

Give A Summary Of Federalist 10

Answer 46

The main point of Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, is that a large, diverse republic with a strong federal government is the best way to control the negative effects of factions. Madison argued that a vast republic would dilute the power of any single faction, preventing them from dominating and infringing on the rights of others. This is because a larger republic would have more diverse interests and parties, making it less likely that a majority faction would form with a common goal to oppress minorities.

Question 47

Give A Summary Of Federalist 51

Answer 47

The main point of Federalist 51, written by James Madison, is that the separation of powers and checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution are crucial for preventing any single branch of government from becoming too powerful. Madison argued that by dividing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and giving each branch the ability to limit the power of the others, the Constitution safeguards against tyranny and ensures a balanced government.

Question 48

Give A Summary Of Federalist 70

Answer 48

In Federalist No. 70, Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong, single executive (president) rather than a council or committee, emphasizing the need for energy, decisiveness, and accountability in the executive branch to ensure effective governance and protect the nation.

Question 49

Give A Summary Of Federalist 78

Answer 49

Federalist No. 78, by Alexander Hamilton, argues for the importance of an independent judiciary and defends the power of judicial review. It posits that the judiciary is the "least dangerous" branch, having no control over the "sword" (military) or the "purse" (national budget), making it less prone to abuse of power. The essay also emphasizes the judiciary's role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that laws are consistent with it, a process known as judicial review.

Question 50

Give A Summary Of The Letter From Birmingham Jail

Answer 50

In "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Martin Luther King Jr. defends the use of nonviolent direct action in the fight against segregation and racial discrimination. Written in response to criticisms from local clergymen who urged patience and condemned his protests, King argues that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and that individuals have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. He further critiques white moderates for their inaction and lukewarm acceptance of racial equality, arguing that they are more detrimental to the cause than even the Ku Klux Klan.