This cheat sheet provides a concise overview of significant Supreme Court cases frequently studied in AP Government classes. It focuses on the core principles established by each case, rather than exhaustive details. Remember to consult your textbook and class notes for a more comprehensive understanding. This guide is designed to be a quick reference tool for review.
Note: This cheat sheet prioritizes cases commonly appearing on AP exams. The importance of specific cases may vary from year to year based on the curriculum emphasis.
Landmark Cases by Constitutional Amendment & Principle
First Amendment: Freedom of Speech & Religion
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Tinker v. Des Moines (1969): Students have free speech rights at school, unless their expression substantially disrupts the learning environment. Key concept: Students' speech rights are not shed at the schoolhouse gates.
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New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964): Public officials must prove "actual malice" (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth) to win libel suits. Key concept: Protects freedom of the press, especially regarding criticism of public officials.
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Engel v. Vitale (1962): Mandatory prayer in public schools is unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause. Key concept: Government cannot establish or endorse a religion.
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Abington School District v. Schempp (1963): Mandatory Bible reading in public schools is unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause. Key concept: Reinforces separation of church and state in public education.
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Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, allowing independent political spending. Key concept: Significant impact on campaign finance, leading to increased role of Super PACs.
Fourth Amendment: Search & Seizure
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Mapp v. Ohio (1961): Evidence obtained illegally (without a warrant or probable cause) is inadmissible in court ("exclusionary rule"). Key concept: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; applies the exclusionary rule to states.
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Terry v. Ohio (1968): Police can conduct a "stop and frisk" if they have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Key concept: Allows limited searches without a warrant based on reasonable suspicion.
Fifth Amendment: Due Process & Self-Incrimination
- Miranda v. Arizona (1966): Suspects must be informed of their constitutional rights (right to remain silent, right to an attorney) before questioning. Key concept: Protects against self-incrimination; established "Miranda rights."
Sixth Amendment: Right to Counsel & Fair Trial
- Gideon v. Wainwright (1963): Indigent defendants have a right to an attorney in felony cases. Key concept: Guarantees the right to legal counsel for all, regardless of financial status.
Fourteenth Amendment: Due Process & Equal Protection
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Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): "Separate but equal" doctrine upheld racial segregation. (Overturned by Brown v. Board) Key concept: Established a precedent of legal segregation.
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Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. Key concept: Landmark decision ending segregation in public schools; declared "separate but equal" inherently unequal.
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Roe v. Wade (1973): Established a woman's right to an abortion, based on the right to privacy. Key concept: Highly controversial decision impacting reproductive rights; continues to be a subject of legal and political debate.
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Ginsberg v. New York (1968): Upheld restrictions on the sale of obscene materials to minors, demonstrating different standards for children's access to information compared to adults. Key concept: The government's interest in protecting minors justifies limits on free speech.
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Korematsu v. United States (1944): Upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. (Controversial and later considered a grave injustice). Key concept: Highlights the tension between national security and individual rights during wartime; widely criticized for its discriminatory nature.
This cheat sheet is intended as a starting point. Thorough understanding requires in-depth study of each case and its historical context. Remember to consult additional resources for a more complete picture.
