ap gov supreme court cases cheat sheet

Lemon

2 min read

·

01-02-2025

1

0

Share

This cheat sheet provides a concise overview of key Supreme Court cases frequently covered in AP Government courses. It's designed to help you quickly review important precedents and their lasting impact on American law and politics. Remember that this is a summary—for a complete understanding, consult your textbook and case materials.

Note: This cheat sheet focuses on cases commonly tested. Many other significant cases exist.

Landmark Cases by Category:

Federalism & States' Rights:

• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Established the principle of implied powers, allowing Congress to exercise powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution, as long as they are "necessary and proper" for carrying out enumerated powers. Significantly strengthened federal power. Key concept: Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

• Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Affirmed Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, establishing broad federal authority over economic activity. Further limited states' rights in favor of national authority. Key concept: Commerce Clause

• United States v. Lopez (1995): Limited the scope of the Commerce Clause, ruling that Congress lacked the authority to regulate gun possession in schools under the Commerce Clause. Represented a shift towards greater states' rights.

Civil Liberties & Rights:

• Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This is arguably the most important case in Supreme Court history. Key concept: Judicial Review

• Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): Established the "separate but equal" doctrine, upholding racial segregation. Overturned by Brown v. Board of Education. Key concept: Separate but equal (later deemed unconstitutional)

• Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and ended legal segregation in public education. Key concept: Equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment

• Gideon v. Wainwright (1963): Ruled that indigent (poor) defendants have a right to legal counsel in felony cases. Expanded Sixth Amendment rights to the accused. Key concept: Right to counsel

• Miranda v. Arizona (1966): Established the requirement that law enforcement officers inform suspects of their rights before questioning. Protects against self-incrimination. Key concept: 5th Amendment rights; Miranda rights

• Roe v. Wade (1973): Established a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, based on the right to privacy implied in the Fourteenth Amendment. A highly controversial and frequently challenged decision. Key concept: Right to privacy

• Mapp v. Ohio (1961): Established the exclusionary rule, preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used in federal and state court prosecutions. Key Concept: Fourth Amendment; Exclusionary Rule

Civil Rights:

• Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978): Ruled that while affirmative action programs are constitutional, the use of strict quotas is unconstitutional. A complex case with lasting implications for higher education admissions. Key concept: Affirmative Action

Campaign Finance:

• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Ruled that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, allowing them to spend unlimited sums on political advertising. Significantly impacted campaign finance laws. Key concept: First Amendment; Corporate speech

This cheat sheet is intended as a starting point. Each case has a rich history and detailed legal analysis beyond what's presented here. Always consult primary sources for complete information. Good luck with your AP Gov studies!