Judicial Power & Federalism
A citizen argues that a federal law is unconstitutional and asks the Supreme Court to strike it down. What power allows the Court to do this, and which case established it?
What is judicial review and Marbury v Madison
School-sponsored prayer ruled unconstitutional.
What is Engel v Vitale
Students wearing armbands are protected.
What is Tinker v Des Moines
Right to an attorney in felony cases.
Gideon v Wainwright
Right to abortion recognized under privacy doctrine
What is Roe v Wade
This case upheld implied powers and the national bank.
What is McCulloch v Maryland
Amish parents remove children from school for religious reasons.
What is Wisconsin v Yoder
Government cannot block publication of classified documents.
What is NYT v United States
Second Amendment applied to state.
What is McDonald v Chicago
A state election law imposes only minor burdens on voting access. A voter challenges it. What type of balancing test would the Court most likely use?
What is the Anderson-Burdick balancing test
This case limited Congress's commerce clause power (gun-free school zones)
In Texas, state officials have supported efforts to incorporate Bible-based lessons and materials into public school classrooms. Some teachers begin class by reading passages from the Bible aloud to students. Which case & clause are most relevant?
Speech advocating violence in general is protected.
What is Brandenburg v Ohio
This clause is used to apply rights to states (selective incorporation)
What is the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause
A state draws oddly shaped congressional districts that appear to separate voters based on race. Voters challenge the districts as unconstitutional. Which case is most relevant?
What is Shaw v Reno
A state taxes a federal institution. Which case BEST applies?
What is McCulloch v Maryland (supremacy clause)
A law burdens religious practice, but the state argues it serves an important public interest. Which case supports the individual’s claim?
What is Wisconsin v Yoder
During wartime, a person distributes leaflets encouraging resistance to the draft. The government arrests them. Which case is most related?
What is Schenck v United States
A defendant is denied a lawyer in a state felony case. Which case would overturn this?
What is Gideon v Wainwright
A couple challenges a state law banning contraception, arguing that multiple amendments imply a broader right to privacy. What constitutional concept are they using, and which case supports it?
What are penumbras and Griswold v Connecticut
This case established that redistricting issues can be heard by federal courts, making them justiciable.
A city passes a law banning animal sacrifice after a religious group establishes a church that practices ritual animal sacrifice. The group challenges the law as targeting their religious practice.
Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v City of Hialeah
The government limits how much corporations can spend on political advertisements during elections. A corporation challenges the law as unconstitutional. Which case is most relevant?
What is Citizens United v FEC
A defendant is arrested and claims the government failed to provide proper legal protections (notice, attorney, fair trial). What type of constitutional challenge is this?
What is procedural due process
A state passes a law that treats citizens differently based on race. A group challenges the law as unconstitutional. What standard of review would the SCOTUS most likely apply?