Supreme court cases
What case ruled that prayer in public schools is unconstitutional?
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
What case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson?
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Fundamental freedoms protected from government interference (e.g., speech, religion, due process). Found mostly in the Bill of Rights.
Civil Liberties
What is selective incorporation?
The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states via the 14th Amendment
Which clause prevents government from establishing an official religion?
Establishment Clause
What case protected students’ symbolic speech with armbands?
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
What law banned discrimination based on race, gender, or religion in public places?
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Protections against discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, or religion; ensure equal treatment under the law.
Civil Rights
Which clause of the 14th Amendment is used for selective incorporation?
Due Process Clause
Which clause protects individuals’ right to practice their religion?
Free Exercise Clause
What case established the “clear and present danger” test?
Schenck v. United States (1919)
What law banned discriminatory voting practices?
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Government preventing material from being published — almost always unconstitutional.
Prior Restraint
What case began the process of selective incorporation?
Gitlow v. New York (1925)
What test determines if a law violates the Establishment Clause?
The Lemon Test
What case struck down the "Gun Free School Zones Act" for too broad use of Commerce clause
US v Lopez (1995)
What tactic did Martin Luther King Jr. promote for achieving civil rights?
Nonviolent civil disobedience
Forbids government from creating or endorsing a religion.
Establishment Clause
Which case incorporated the right to an attorney to the states?
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
What clause ensures laws are applied fairly to all citizens?
Equal Protection Clause
What case set up the office of Public Defenders, Making sure everyone has the right to a lawyer?
Gideon v Wainwright (1963)
What civil rights legislation policy expanded the rights of women?
Title IX
Policies giving special attention or opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups to promote diversity and equality.
Affirmative Action
Which case incorporated the right to bear arms?
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
Test to see whether the material appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual conduct offensively, and lacks literary/artistic/political/scientific value.
Miller Test