Required Supreme Court Cases to Know for AP US Government

These Supreme Court cases shape American law and rights, highlighting the balance between federal and state powers, individual freedoms, and the role of the judiciary. Understanding these landmark decisions is crucial for grasping the complexities of U.S. government and constitutional principles.

1. Marbury v. Madison (1803)

   • Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.
   • Asserted the authority of the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government.
   • Set a precedent for the role of the judiciary in checking the powers of the other branches.

2. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

   • Confirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law through the Necessary and Proper Clause.
   • Upheld the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States, reinforcing implied powers.
   • Established that states cannot tax federal institutions, emphasizing federal authority.

3. Schenck v. United States (1919)

   • Introduced the "clear and present danger" test for determining when speech can be limited.
   • Addressed the limits of free speech during wartime, specifically regarding anti-draft pamphlets.
   • Established that speech that poses a significant threat to national security can be restricted.

4. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

   • Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
   • Established that "separate but equal" educational facilities are inherently unequal.
   • Paved the way for the civil rights movement by challenging systemic racism.

5. Engel v. Vitale (1962)

   • Ruled that state-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
   • Reinforced the principle of separation of church and state in the context of public education.
   • Set a precedent for future cases regarding religious activities in public institutions.

6. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

   • Held that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for defendants in criminal cases.
   • Extended the right to free legal representation to state courts, not just federal courts.
   • Ensured that the legal system is fair and accessible to all individuals, regardless of economic status.

7. Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

   • Affirmed students' rights to free speech in public schools as long as it does not disrupt the educational process.
   • Involved the wearing of armbands to protest the Vietnam War, highlighting student activism.
   • Established that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."

8. New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

   • Protected the freedom of the press by ruling against prior restraint in the publication of the Pentagon Papers.
   • Established that the government must meet a heavy burden to justify censorship.
   • Reinforced the principle that a free press is essential for democracy and government accountability.

9. Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

   • Held that Amish children could not be compelled to attend school past the eighth grade due to religious beliefs.
   • Recognized the importance of religious freedom and parental rights in education.
   • Set a precedent for balancing state interests with individual religious rights.

10. Roe v. Wade (1973)

    • Established a woman's legal right to have an abortion under the right to privacy.
    • Introduced a trimester framework to balance state interests and women's rights.
    • Sparked ongoing debates and legal challenges regarding reproductive rights and privacy.

11. Shaw v. Reno (1993)

    • Addressed racial gerrymandering, ruling that redistricting based on race must meet strict scrutiny.
    • Established that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing electoral district lines.
    • Highlighted the importance of fair representation and the complexities of race in politics.

12. United States v. Lopez (1995)

    • Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause by ruling that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded federal authority.
    • Established that not all activities can be regulated by the federal government under the guise of interstate commerce.
    • Reinforced the principle of federalism by affirming state powers.

13. McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

    • Incorporated the Second Amendment right to bear arms to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
    • Affirmed that individuals have the right to possess firearms for self-defense.
    • Set a significant precedent for gun rights and state regulations on firearms.

14. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

    • Ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited under the First Amendment.
    • Established that political spending is a form of protected speech.
    • Led to the rise of Super PACs and increased influence of money in politics.

15. Arizona v. United States (2012)

    • Struck down key provisions of Arizona's immigration law, asserting that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
    • Reinforced the principle of federal supremacy in immigration policy.
    • Highlighted the complexities of state versus federal authority in immigration issues.