Unit 4: Court Cases
15 Supreme Court decisions that shaped constitutional law
11 sections remaining in the Summer Assignment
The Power of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and determines the constitutionality of laws. These landmark cases have established precedents that continue to shape American law and society. Understanding these decisions is essential for mastering AP Government.
Each case page includes the constitutional clause involved, a mnemonic device to remember the case, and a writing prompt to help you practice your argumentative skills.
Cases by Constitutional Clause
Speech, Press, Religion (6 cases)
Equal Protection, Due Process (4 cases)
Commerce, Supremacy (3 cases)
6th Amendment (1 case)
Marbury v. Madison
Article III / Judicial Review
Established judicial review - the Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Necessary & Proper Clause / Supremacy Clause
Upheld implied powers of Congress and federal supremacy over states.
Schenck v. US
First Amendment (Speech)
Established 'clear and present danger' test for limiting free speech.
Brown v. Board of Education
14th Amendment (Equal Protection)
Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
Baker v. Carr
14th Amendment (Equal Protection)
Established 'one person, one vote' principle for redistricting.
Engel v. Vitale
First Amendment (Establishment)
Prohibited state-sponsored prayer in public schools.
Gideon v. Wainwright
6th Amendment (Right to Counsel)
Guaranteed right to counsel for criminal defendants.
Tinker v. Des Moines
First Amendment (Speech)
Protected students' free speech rights in public schools.
New York Times v. US
First Amendment (Press)
Protected press freedom against prior restraint (Pentagon Papers).
Wisconsin v. Yoder
First Amendment (Free Exercise)
Protected religious freedom in education decisions.
Shaw v. Reno
14th Amendment (Equal Protection)
Limited racial gerrymandering in redistricting.
US v. Lopez
Commerce Clause
Limited Congress's Commerce Clause powers.
McDonald v. Chicago
2nd & 14th Amendments (Incorporation)
Applied Second Amendment rights to the states.
Citizens United v. FEC
First Amendment (Speech)
Protected corporate political speech as First Amendment right.
How to Study Court Cases
Know the Clause
Identify which constitutional provision is at issue
Learn the Facts
Understand who sued whom and why
Memorize the Holding
What did the Court decide and why?
Use Mnemonics
Memory tricks help recall details on test day