Federalism and Power
This 1819 case established federal supremacy and the "Necessary and Proper" clause.
What is McCulloch v Maryland?
This case established the "one person, one vote" principle, allowing the Court to rule on legislative redistricting.
What is Baker v Carr?
This document argues for a "unitary executive" to ensure energy and accountability in the presidency.
What is federalist 70?
This case ended segregation in public schools, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v Ferguson
What is Brown v Board of Education?
This ruling in this case declared that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”
What is Tinker v Des Moines?
This document argues that a large republic is the best way to control the "mischiefs of faction."
What is Federalist 10?
This case ruled that "money is speech" and corporations can spend unlimited amounts on independent political ads.
What is Citizens United v FEC?
This case established Judicial Review, giving the Court the power to strike down unconstitutional laws.
What is Marbury v Madison?
This 1963 case guaranteed the right to an attorney for the poor, incorporating the 6th Amendment.
What is Gideon v Wainwright?
This "Pentagon Papers" case established a very high bar against "prior restraint" by the government and allowed the publication of secret government papers about the Vietnam War
What is NY Times v US?
This 1995 case marked the first time in decades the Court limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause.
What is US v Lopez?
This case forbade racial gerrymandering, even if the intent was to help a minority group.
What is Shaw v Reno?
This document argues that the Judiciary is the "least dangerous branch" because it has neither the sword nor the purse.
What is Federalist 78?
This 1919 case established the "clear and present danger" test, limiting free speech during wartime.
What is Schenck v US?
This case found that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose and encourage an official school prayer in public schools, due to violation of the establishment clause.
What is Engel v Vitale?
This document expressed fear of a powerful central government, arguing that the "Necessary and Proper" clause would give Congress unlimited power.
What is Brutus 1?
This document argues for a strong and vigorous executive branch and claims that the "vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty."
What is Federalist 70?
This document outlines how "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition" through checks and balances.
What is Federalist 51?
This 1972 case ruled that Amish families could not be forced to send children to school past 8th grade due to the "Free Exercise" clause
What is Wisconsin v Yoder?
This 10th Amendment-heavy case or document emphasizes that powers not delegated to the US are reserved to the states.
What is the Constitution and/or the Bill of Rights?
This case incorporated the 2nd Amendment to the states via the 14th Amendment.
What is McDonald v Chicago?
This specific clause in Article I has been interpreted to give the relevant branch broad powers to make laws it deems prudent.
What is the Necessary and Proper clause?
This document was written from jail and argued that "justice too long delayed is justice denied" while arguing disobedience to unjust laws was a moral duty.
What is "Letter from a Birmingham Jail"?
This case ruled that even symbolic speech is protected under the 1st amendment
What is Tinker v Des Moines?