Important Cases

Question 0

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer 0

Established the “separate but equal doctrine”

Question 1

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer 1

Overturned the “separate but equal doctrine”
School segregation deemed unconstitutional due to violation of equal protection clause.
Called for the integration of the school system.

Question 2

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Answer 2

Supreme Court deems the creation of a national bank constitutional because it allows Congress to exercise the power to tax.
States cannot tax any institution of the national government.
“The power to tax is the power to destroy”
Establishes ladder of supremacy

Question 3

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Answer 3

Supreme Court rules that only the federal government can regulate interstate commerce.
Redefines commerce as any economic activity.

Question 4

Baker v. Carr

Answer 4

First Supreme Court case involving malaportionment.

Declares malaportionment unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.

Question 5

Easley v. Cromartie

Answer 5

In regards to redistricting, race can be a factor but not the dominating one.

Question 6

Clinton v. New York

Answer 6

Declares the line-item veto unconstitutional.
It is unconstitutional because it gives the president to much authority over making laws and is thus a violation of checks and balances.

Question 7

Clinton v. Jones

Answer 7

The courts ruled against Clinton’s argument that civil suits against a chief executive distract him from presidential duties.

Question 8

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Answer 8

Supreme Court rules that limiting the amount of money a candidate can spend on his own campaign is a violation of freedom of expression and thus unconstitutional.
Donating money to a political campaign is a first amendment right.

Question 9

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer 9

Marbury sued Madison because he didn’t receive his commission.
Supreme Court declared a part of the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional.
Was the first time the Supreme Court used judicial review.

Question 10

Westbury v. Sanders

Answer 10

Each district must have around the same population.

Question 11

Shaw v. Reno

Answer 11

In regards to redistricting, race can be a factor but not the only one.

Question 12

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Answer 12

Very first time the Supreme Court applied the first amendment to the states.

Question 13

Roe v. Wade

Answer 13

Declares a law abolishing abortion unconstitutional.

Violation of 4th amendment

Question 14

Mapp v. Ohio

Answer 14

Declares that if evidence is obtained illegally it can be disregarded in court

Question 15

Miranda v. Arizona

Answer 15

The police must inform the accused of their rights when they are being arrested.