Landmark Supreme Court Cases in American History

Front

What principle did Marbury v. Madison (1803) establish?

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The principle of judicial review

Front

What was the outcome of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Back

It affirmed the federal government's power to create a national bank and established the supremacy of federal law over state law.

Front

What did the Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) decision hold?

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African Americans could not be considered American citizens

Front

What doctrine was approved by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Back

The "separate but equal" doctrine

Front

What did Schenck v. US (1919) establish?

Back

The "clear and present danger" test

Front

What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

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It overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Front

What did Mapp v. Ohio (1961) extend to state courts?

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The exclusionary rule

Front

What principle was established by Baker v. Carr (1962)?

Back

The principle of "one person, one vote"

Front

What did Engel v. Vitale (1962) prohibit?

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State-sponsored prayer in public schools

Front

What right did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) guarantee?

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The right to legal counsel for criminal defendants