Unit 4 Flashcards
Baker v. Carr Background
- Tennessee ignored updating their district lines (not equally populated)
- Gave more power to small rural areas
Baker v. Carr Constitutional Questions
- Is this a justiciable question?
- is it political?
Baker v. carr Decision
- Yes, it is justiciable
- Because it was about equality (Equal Protection Clause)
Significance of baker v. carr
- Makes the doctrine “One person, one vote”
- Becomes precedent for future district line courts
- Many states had to redraw districts
Shaw v. Reno background
North Carolina was racially gerrymandering in order to elect African American representatives in the House
Shaw v. Reno constitutional questions
- Voting Rights Act and Affirmative Action
- Equal Protection Clause
Shaw v. Reno court decision
Racial gerrymandering, even done with noble intentions, sets a dangerous precedent
US v. Nixon background
- Nixon claimed executive privilege
- Investigator wanted him to turn over tapes
US v. Nixon constitutional questions
Can the president claim Executive Privilege under ANY circumstances?
US v. Nixon court decisions
Court says executive privilege has its place but it cannot be used to impede investigations and court processes
US v. Nixon significance
- No one is above the law
- Nixon has to turn over the tapes
Marbury v. Madison Background
- John Adams created new courts and judgeships to pack courts with federal judges. Most commissions were delivered, but Marburt’s was not
- Marbury wanted a writ of mandamus
Marbury v. Madison Constitutional Questions and Courts Decisions
- Does Marbury have legal right to his appointment?
- yes
- Is the writ the way to get it?
- yes
- Does the SC have the jurisdiction to give the writ?
- no
Marbury v. Madison Significance
Creates Judicial Review
