In this guide, we will describe the facts, constitutional issues, decision/precedent, and opinion/reasoning of the following 14 landmark Supreme Court cases that are required for the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. It is important to be thorough in understanding these cases for the exam.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Facts: In 1816, Congress chartered the second Bank of the United States. In 1818, the state of Maryland passed legislation to impose taxes on the bank. James W. Mcculloch, the cashier of the Baltimore branch of the bank, refused to pay the tax. The state appeals court held that the Second Bank was unconstitutional because the Constitution did not provide a textual commitment for the federal government to charter a bank.
Constitutional Issue/Provision in Question: Article 1, Section 8: Necessary and Proper Clause and Article 6: Supremacy Clause. Did Congress have the authority to establish a national bank? Did the Maryland law unconstitutionally interfere with congressional powers?
Decision and Precedent: It was a 6-0 decision in favor of McCulloch. Congress has the power to establish a national bank, according to the Necessary and Proper clause. It established the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution and Federal laws over State Laws.
Opinion/Reasoning of the Court: The court held that a national bank is considered a reasonable and legitimate extension of the federal government's powers; allowed by the Necessary and Proper Clause. The federal government is supreme and cannot be controlled by the states.
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Facts: Before Jefferson took office, President Adams appointed 16 new circuit judges and new justices of the peace. However, their commissions were never delivered. Marbury, one of the new appointees, challenged Madison, the new Secretary of State, to deliver the commissions. The case was not only about the commissions, but the authority of the Supreme Court to make a ruling.
Constitutional Issue/Provisions in Question: Article 3, Section 2: this case largely became an issue of the Court's authority. Do the plaintiffs have a right to receive their commissions? Can they sue for their commissions in court? Does the Supreme Court have the authority to order the delivery of their commissions?
Decision and Precedent: It was a unanimous decision in favor of Marbury. It established the principle of judicial review empowering the Supreme Court to nullify an act of the legislative or executive branch that violates the Constitution.
Opinion/Reasoning of the Court: The court found that Madison's refusal to deliver the commission was illegal, but did not order Madison to hand over Marbury's commission. Instead, the Court held that the provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789, enabling Marbury to bring his claim to the Supreme Court was itself unconstitutional, because it sought to expand the court's jurisdiction beyond what is established in Article 3, sec. 2.
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
Facts: High School student, Alfonzo Lopez, carried a concealed weapon into his Texas high school.
Constitutional Issue/Provisions in Question: Article 1: Commerce Clause. He was charged under the federal crime statute, the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which forbids knowingly carrying a firearm into a school zone. He was found guilty, but challenged the law.
Decision and Precedent: It was a 5-4 decision in favor of Lopez. Congress may not use the Commerce Clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime. Significant citing of limiting congress' power and declared the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 unconstitutional because it exceeds Congress' power under Commerce Clause.
Opinion/Reasoning of the Court: The possession of a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that would have a significant effect on interstate commerce. The law is a criminal statute that has nothing to do with "commerce" or any sort of economic activity. Therefore, Congress exceeded its authority.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Facts: The New York State Board of Regents authorized a short voluntary prayer to be said at the start of each school day. Several organizations challenged the prayer, claiming that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Decision and Precedent: It was a 6-1 decision in favor of Engel. School sponsorship of religious activities violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
For more information and resources on these Supreme Court cases, visit Oyez, Legal Information Institute - Cornell Law, Justia U.S. Supreme Court, and your textbook.
The 15 required Supreme Court cases, McCulloch v. Maryland and Marbury v. Madison, Royal v. Wainwright, Miller, Terry v. Ohio, Gregg v. Georgia, Roe v. Wade, United States v. Nixon, McDonald v. McDonald, and United States v. Lopez are essential to know for AP U.S. Government and Politics exam preparation. This ap gov required court cases quizlet is a helpful study resource. You can easily access ap gov supreme court cases pdf and ap gov supreme court cases quizlet to aid your preparation. Additionally, an ap gov supreme court cases cheat sheet can be beneficial for quick review and understanding of the key concepts.
In conclusion, understanding these landmark Supreme Court cases for AP U.S. Government and Politics exam is crucial for success. Prepare with the provided resources and practice with the provided study materials to excel in your exam.
