Category 1:
Historical Context
Historical Context
What was happening in America when Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) was decided?
The rise of Jim Crow segregation laws after Reconstruction.
What issue was the Supreme Court deciding in Brown v. Board of Education?
Whether school segregation violated the 14th Amendment.
What decision did the Supreme Court make in Brown v. Board of Education?
Declared school segregation unconstitutional.
What was the impact of Brown v. Board of Education?
Began the process of desegregating public schools.
Which case overturned “separate but equal”?
Brown v. Board of Education
What social movement influenced the Brown v. Board of Education (1954) case?
The growing Civil Rights Movement.
What was the question in Plessy v. Ferguson?
Whether racial segregation on trains violated the 14th Amendment.
What decision was made in Plessy v. Ferguson?
Allowed segregation, establishing “separate but equal.”
What was the long-term effect of Plessy v. Ferguson?
Legalized segregation for over 50 years until Brown v. Board.
Which case established the right to a free lawyer if you can’t afford one?
Gideon v. Wainwright
What concern about government power led to Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?
Fear that police could violate suspects' rights during interrogations.
What issue was addressed in Miranda v. Arizona?
Whether suspects must be informed of their rights before police questioning.
What did the Court decide in Miranda v. Arizona?
Suspects must be informed of their rights when arrested.
How did Miranda v. Arizona change police procedures?
Officers must read suspects their Miranda rights.
Which case ruled that students can wear protest armbands to school?
Tinker v. Des Moines
What national issue was Roe v. Wade (1973) connected to?
The women’s rights movement and debates about privacy.
What legal question was raised in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?
If poor defendants have the right to a free lawyer in court.
What decision was made in Roe v. Wade?
Women have the constitutional right to an abortion under the right to privacy.
What was the effect of Gideon v. Wainwright?
Guaranteed a lawyer for all defendants in criminal cases.
Which case established that suspects must be told their rights when arrested?
Miranda v. Arizona
What public safety issue led to Schenck v. United States (1919)?
The government’s restriction of free speech during World War I.
What issue did Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) address?
Whether students have free speech rights in school.
What did the Court rule in Schenck v. United States?
Speech can be limited during wartime if it presents a “clear and present danger.”
What was the impact of Tinker v. Des Moines?
Protected student free speech in schools, as long as it doesn't disrupt learning.
Which case ruled that certain limits on speech are allowed during wartime?
Schenck v. United States.