Lecture Notes: Constitutional Implications in AP Government Required Court Cases
Introduction
Overview of AP Government's focus on significant court cases.
Understanding how these cases shape constitutional law and government policy.
Emphasis on recognizing the implications of each decision.
Key Court Cases
1. Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Significance: Established the principle of judicial review.
Impact: Empowered the Supreme Court to nullify an act of the legislative or executive branch that violates the Constitution.
2. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Significance: Defined the scope of the federal government’s powers and its relationship with state governments.
Impact: Confirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.
3. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Significance: Ended racial segregation in public schools.
Impact: Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; declared "separate but equal" unconstitutional.
4. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Significance: Affirmed the right to legal counsel.
Impact: Required states to provide attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one.
5. Roe v. Wade (1973)
Significance: Recognized woman's constitutional right to privacy.
Impact: Legalized abortion nationwide, with varying state regulations.
6. United States v. Lopez (1995)
Significance: Examined the scope of Congress's legislative power under the Commerce Clause.
Impact: Limited Congress's power, ruling that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress's authority.
7. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Significance: Addressed regulation of campaign spending by organizations.
Impact: Held that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent expenditures for political campaigns by corporations and unions.
Conclusion
These cases illustrate the dynamic interpretation of the Constitution.
Emphasis on how judicial decisions can influence American society and government.
Importance of understanding these cases for a comprehensive grasp of U.S. government and politics.