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Landmark Supreme Court Cases in American History Quiz

#1

Which case ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Overturned 'separate but equal' doctrine, ending racial segregation in schools.

#2

Which case ruled that separate but equal facilities for African Americans and whites were constitutional?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Established 'separate but equal' doctrine, endorsing racial segregation.

#3

Which case affirmed the legality of racial segregation in private businesses?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Upheld segregation laws affecting private businesses.

#4

Which case established the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Allowed racial segregation as long as facilities were 'equal'.

#5

Which case established the principle of 'separate but equal' racial segregation?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Endorsed racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

#6

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison
Explanation

Established the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

#7

In which case did the Supreme Court rule that the Fifth Amendment required police to inform criminal suspects of their rights?

Miranda v. Arizona
Explanation

Established Miranda rights, ensuring suspects are aware of their rights during arrest.

#8

Which case upheld the use of affirmative action in college admissions?

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
Explanation

Allowed race to be considered as one of many factors in college admissions.

#9

In which case did the Supreme Court uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate?

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius
Explanation

Affirmed Congress's power to impose individual mandate under the ACA.

#10

Which case established the right to an attorney for defendants who cannot afford one?

Gideon v. Wainwright
Explanation

Ensured right to counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases.

#11

Which case established the principle of 'one person, one vote' for state legislative districts?

Baker v. Carr
Explanation

Ensured equal representation by requiring districts to have roughly equal populations.

#12

Which Supreme Court case ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right?

Obergefell v. Hodges
Explanation

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, recognizing it as a fundamental right.

#13

In which case did the Supreme Court rule that the federal government has the authority to regulate interstate commerce?

Wickard v. Filburn
Explanation

Broadened federal government's power to regulate economic activity.

#14

Which case ruled that executive privilege is not absolute and can be overruled by a court?

United States v. Nixon
Explanation

Ordered release of Watergate tapes, limiting executive privilege.

#15

In which case did the Supreme Court uphold the right to burn the American flag as symbolic speech?

Texas v. Johnson
Explanation

Protected flag burning as a form of expressive speech under the First Amendment.

#16

Which case determined that states cannot ban same-sex marriage?

Obergefell v. Hodges
Explanation

Declared bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, legalizing it nationwide.

#17

In which case did the Supreme Court establish the 'clear and present danger' test for free speech?

Schenck v. United States
Explanation

Limits on free speech when it presents a clear and present danger to public safety.

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