Civil Rights Court Cases
Are Separate schools based on race constitutional?
No since the Supreme Court ruled in 1954 (Brown v Board that it was unconstitutional.
What is the exclusionary rule? (Mapp V Ohio)
evidence taken illegally can't be used at trial.
Under Tinker V Des Moines (1969) are students entitled to free speech?
Yes however, it is not allowed when it severely interferes with instruction.
How did the Marbury V Madison court case of 1803 strengthen the power of the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court ruled that it can review decisions made by lower courts. It struck down a law passed by congress as unconstitutional establishing judicial review.
The Tonkin Gulf Resolution of 1964 allowed President Lyndon Johnson to use measures he believed were necessary in Vietnam, leading to the Vietnam War. What law did Congress pass ten years to reign in a president's power to make war?
War Powers Act
Why is the Dred Scott V Sanford court case (1857) considered the worst decision of the Supreme Court?
It ruled that African Americans could not be citizens of the United States and the Missouri Compromise was invalid as it would be denying someone their property.
Why was the Gideon V Wainwright decision a landmark court case?
It said that both the sixth and the 14th amendments meant that a criminal defendant has a right to a lawyer.
Why was the Texas V Johnson (1989) a very unpopular ruling with many Americans?
It said laws banning flag burning were unconstitutional under the first amendment.
Why is the McCullagh V Maryland case of 1819 considered a landmark Supreme Court Case?
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress did have the power to charter a bank affirming, Congress's power under the elastic clause. It also said that couldn't tax the bank affirming that federal law supreme over state law? (Supremacy Clause)
What lasting impact did the New Deal have on society?
The federal government became more involved in various aspects of people's lives. (Social Security, job programs, minimum wage, regulatory agencies)
What did California V Bakke (1978) say about affirmative action?
Affirmative action (taking race into account for college admissions) was legal but specific quotas were illegal.
What does the fifth Amendment which protects people from incriminating themselves require police to do?
The Supreme Court ruled in 1966 that police must inform people of their rights when arresting them so they know they have to right to remain silent.
How did the NY Times V United States (1971) court case strengthen the Freedom the Press?
The NY Times was allowed to publish classified information about the Vietnam War. (government can only prohibit publication in extreme cases, such as those might involve people's immediate safety in wartime.
What did the United States V Nixon (1974) court case say about executive privilege.
While executive privilege (allowing the president to withhold information) is allowed it does not allow a president to withhold evidence from a prosecutor. (exceptions for natural security and diplomatic relations)
In addition to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act president Johnson had a domestic program called the Great Society whose goal was what?
To increase opportunities especially for the poor major programs included Medicare, Medicaid Headstart.
Why were Jim Crow laws (separate but equal laws) constitutional until the 1950's?
The Court case Plessey V Ferguson upheld a Jim Crow laws for railroad cars in 1896 and was the law of the land until 1954.
Did the ordering of citizens of Japanese descent to interment camps violate the due process clause of the 5th Amendment?
Under the Korematsu V United States 1944 the Supreme Court ruled that the order was justified by the war. (pretty much everyone today disagrees and the U.S. government later apologized.)
The Supreme ruled in Hazelwood V Khulmeier (1988) that censoring a school newspaper didn't necessarily violate students first Amendment right because the paper could reflect the school. The ruling means school officials must show they have a strong educational reason for censoring material.
How did the U.S. V Lopez (1995) court case deal with the commerce clause?
The Supreme Court case said the congressional law banning guns in school was unconstitutional because it had nothing to do with interstate commerce and it should be left up to the states.
How did the USA Patriot Act of 2001 restrict American's civil liberties?
It gave the government authority to collect more information (at first without a warrant) about people when investigating possible territories.
The Bush V Gore (2000) case ended a recount in Florida and George Bush was elected president. Why did the Supreme Court say the recount was unconstitutional?
It violated the 14th Amendment equal protection clause as different counties had different standards for counting votes.
Thanks to the D.C. V Heller and McDonald V City of Chicago what are cities and states prohibited from doing?
prohibit people from owning firearms.
How is the Engel V Vitale (1962) related to the establishment clause? Wisconsin V Yoder (1972) the free exercise clause?
Engel V Vitale- government sponsored school prayer illegal.
Wisconsin V Yoder- Amish not forced to go to school past 8th grade.
How did the Baker V Carr (1962) court case change how states could draw congressional and state legislative maps?
The Supreme Court ruled that state and federal courts could get involved to ensue that apportionment was being done fairly. "Establishes one person one vote principle.
How did the Compromise of 1850 and Kansas Nebraska Act try to stave off a Civil War?
Compromise of 1850- California comes in as a free state Fugitive Slave Law signed.
Kansas Nebraska Act-allow citizens of a state (Kansas in this case) to vote on the issue of slavery.