#1
Which Supreme Court case affirmed the principle of 'separate but equal' in 1896?
Plessy v. Ferguson
ExplanationAffirmed the 'separate but equal' doctrine, allowing racial segregation as long as facilities were deemed equal.
#2
In the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), what principle did the Supreme Court establish?
Judicial review
ExplanationEstablished the principle of judicial review, granting the Court the power to review and potentially invalidate government actions.
#3
What government power is granted by the 'Commerce Clause' in the U.S. Constitution?
Regulation of interstate commerce
ExplanationGrants the federal government the authority to regulate commerce between states.
#4
Which landmark case established the principle of 'one person, one vote' and required legislative districts to be roughly equal in population?
Reynolds v. Sims
ExplanationEstablished the 'one person, one vote' principle, mandating that legislative districts have roughly equal populations for fair representation.
#5
What does the 'Exclusionary Rule' state, as established in the case Mapp v. Ohio (1961)?
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court
ExplanationProhibits the use of evidence obtained illegally or in violation of the Fourth Amendment in criminal trials.
#6
Which Supreme Court case held that states must provide counsel to indigent defendants in all criminal cases?
Gideon v. Wainwright
ExplanationEstablished the right to counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases, ensuring fair legal representation.
#7
Which Supreme Court case established the 'clear and present danger' test for restricting free speech?
Schenck v. United States
ExplanationEstablished the 'clear and present danger' test, allowing restrictions on free speech during times of imminent danger.
#8
What principle was at the heart of the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)?
Same-sex marriage
ExplanationLegalized same-sex marriage nationwide, affirming the right to marry regardless of sexual orientation.
#9
Which Supreme Court case ruled that individuals have a right to counsel during police interrogations?
Miranda v. Arizona
ExplanationEstablished the Miranda rights, ensuring individuals have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney during police interrogations.
#10
What constitutional amendment is central to the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade (1973)?
Fourteenth Amendment
ExplanationThe Fourteenth Amendment's right to privacy formed the basis for the Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion.
#11
In the case of Texas v. Johnson (1989), what did the Supreme Court rule regarding flag burning?
Flag burning is protected symbolic speech
ExplanationHeld that flag burning is a form of protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment.
#12
What constitutional principle was established in the case of United States v. Nixon (1974)?
Executive privilege
ExplanationEstablished the concept of executive privilege, allowing the President to withhold certain information from the public and Congress.
#13
In the case of Citizens United v. FEC (2010), what did the Supreme Court rule regarding campaign finance?
Corporations have the same free speech rights as individuals
ExplanationRuled that corporations have the same free speech rights as individuals, allowing unlimited spending in elections.
#14
Which Supreme Court case held that individuals have a right to refuse medical treatment, even if it may result in their death?
Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health
ExplanationAffirmed the right to refuse medical treatment, establishing individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions.
#15
In the case of Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), what was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding affirmative action?
Affirmative action is permissible as a compelling state interest
ExplanationAllowed the use of affirmative action in university admissions as a compelling state interest in promoting diversity.