Famous court cases

Question 1

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer 1

Judicial Review

Question 2

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Answer 2

Federal bank can be created by Congress; states cannot tax the federal gov.; federal supremacy over state

Congress’ received that implied powers from the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Question 3

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Answer 3

Freedom of speech can be restricted if it poses “clear and present danger.”

Question 4

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Answer 4

Racially segregated schools violate the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Question 5

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Answer 5

Districts were disproportionately counted–violated 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause; Tennessee legislature had to reapportion its districts by population

Question 6

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Answer 6

States cannot enforce, and public schools cannot conduct, conduct prayers; 1st amendment right (freedom of religion); establishment clause (gov. cannot establish their own “church” or “religion”)

Question 7

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Answer 7

Sixth Amendment right to having an attorney for those who cannot afford one (14th amendment’s equal protection for those who cannot afford)

Question 8

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Answer 8

Wearing a black arm band in school to protest is protected by the 1st amendment as long as it is not disruptive or distractive.

Question 9

New York Times Co. v. United States (1969)

Answer 9

1st amendment right (freedom of press). The government cannot censor the press from revealing classified government information.

Question 10

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Answer 10

Protected 1st Amendment (freedom of religion) rights, as it was against the Amish’s religion to attend school past 8th grade. So, parents could remove their children from public schools.

Question 11

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Answer 11

Women’s right to privacy (having the right to have an abortion without excess government intervention/ Due Process of the 14th Amendment)

Question 12

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Answer 12

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Question 13

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Answer 13

Carrying a gun to school does NOT relate to the Commerce Clause and should be handled by local and state authorities, not federal.

Question 14

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Answer 14

States are subject to 2nd Amendment rights through the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Question 15

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Answer 15

Corporations could create political broadcasts during elections, as it is protected by free speech.