Introduction: Why These Cases Matter

The College Board requires students to understand 15 landmark Supreme Court decisions for the AP US Government and Politics exam. These cases are more than isolated legal moments — they reflect evolving interpretations of the Constitution and highlight how judicial rulings shape public policy and protect individual rights.

You are expected not only to recall the case names and holdings but to analyze them. On FRQ #3, you'll be asked to compare one of these required cases to a new one provided on the exam. Knowing the background, constitutional principles, and societal impacts of each case is key to doing well.

Study Tip: Know the Structure

To fully understand and recall each case, focus on these four elements:

• Background and context of the case
• Constitutional issue at stake
• Holding and principle the Court applied
• Impact on American society or precedent

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Table of Required Cases

Here is a reference table of the 15 required cases, organized by major constitutional themes:

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Federalism and the Balance of Power

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case clarified the supremacy of the federal government in a constitutional dispute between state and national authority.

• Background: Maryland attempted to tax the Second Bank of the United States. James McCulloch, a bank employee, refused to pay.
• Issue: Did Congress have the authority to establish a bank? Could a state tax a federal institution?
• Holding: The Court ruled that Congress could establish a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause, and Maryland could not tax it due to the Supremacy Clause.
• Impact: Strengthened federal power and laid the foundation for the doctrine of implied powers.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

This case marked the first time in decades the Court limited Congress's use of the Commerce Clause.

• Background: A student brought a concealed weapon to school and was charged under the Gun-Free School Zones Act, which relied on the Commerce Clause.
• Issue: Did Congress overstep its authority by regulating guns in schools through the Commerce Clause?
• Holding: Yes. The activity did not substantially affect interstate commerce.
• Impact: Affirmed states' rights and reined in federal overreach.

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First Amendment: Religion, Speech, and Press

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

• Background: New York public schools implemented a voluntary prayer.
• Issue: Did this prayer violate the Establishment Clause?
• Holding: Yes. Government-sponsored prayer in public schools, even if non-denominational, violated the First Amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

• Background: Amish families refused to send their children to school past 8th grade due to religious beliefs.
• Issue: Did the state law violate the Free Exercise Clause?
• Holding: Yes. The Court ruled that religious freedom outweighed the state's interest in education.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

• Background: Students were suspended for wearing black armbands protesting the Vietnam War.
• Issue: Was this symbolic speech protected?
• Holding: Yes. Students do not lose their rights at school unless the speech disrupts learning.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

• Background: The government tried to block the publication of classified Pentagon Papers.
• Issue: Was this prior restraint constitutional?
• Holding: No. The press had the right to publish unless national security was directly and immediately threatened.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

• Background: Socialist activists distributed anti-draft leaflets during WWI.
• Issue: Did this speech violate the Espionage Act, or was it protected?
• Holding: The speech posed a “clear and present danger” and was not protected.

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Selective Incorporation

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

• Background: Clarence Gideon was denied a lawyer during his Florida trial.
• Issue: Was the right to counsel fundamental?
• Holding: Yes. The Sixth Amendment applies to the states via the 14th Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

• Background: Chicago's handgun ban was challenged following District of Columbia v. Heller.
• Issue: Does the Second Amendment apply to the states?
• Holding: Yes. The right to bear arms is fundamental and incorporated through the 14th Amendment.

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Equal Protection and Civil Rights

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

• Background: African American students were denied access to white public schools.
• Issue: Did school segregation violate the Equal Protection Clause?
• Holding: Yes. “Separate but equal” is inherently unequal.
• Impact: Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and launched desegregation.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

• Background: North Carolina’s redistricting created a district shaped solely by race.
• Issue: Was this racial gerrymandering?
• Holding: Yes. Districts drawn primarily on race can violate the Equal Protection Clause.

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Judicial Review and Representation

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

• Background: William Marbury sued for a judicial appointment not delivered.
• Issue: Did the Court have authority to enforce this commission?
• Holding: No. The Judiciary Act of 1789 conflicted with the Constitution.
• Impact: Established the principle of judicial review.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

• Background: Tennessee hadn’t updated legislative districts in decades.
• Issue: Could federal courts hear cases about redistricting?
• Holding: Yes. Unequal representation violated the Equal Protection Clause.

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Campaign Finance and Elections

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

• Background: Citizens United wanted to air a film critical of Hillary Clinton.
• Issue: Could the government restrict corporate political spending?
• Holding: No. Corporate political spending is protected speech.
• Impact: Opened the door for Super PACs and significant campaign financing.

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Final Thoughts: How to Study These Cases

Each case tells a story about the Constitution’s role in protecting freedoms, settling power struggles, and shaping public life. As you study:

• Focus on the constitutional principle at the heart of the decision.
• Understand the context so you can analyze historical significance.
• Practice comparing two cases, especially on themes like federalism or civil liberties.

If you're tight on time, prioritize Brown, Marbury, Lopez, Gideon, Engel, and McDonald — these show up often.