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Landmark Supreme Court Cases in US History Quiz

#1

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review in 1803?

Marbury v. Madison
Explanation

Established the principle that the Supreme Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

#2

Which Supreme Court case established the 'separate but equal' doctrine in 1896?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Established the legal doctrine that racial segregation is constitutional as long as facilities are 'separate but equal.'

#3

Which Supreme Court case established the 'clear and present danger' test for limiting free speech?

Schenck v. United States
Explanation

Established that speech may be restricted if it poses a 'clear and present danger' to national security.

#4

Which Supreme Court case established the 'one person, one vote' principle for apportionment of legislative districts?

Baker v. Carr
Explanation

Required state legislative districts to be roughly equal in population, ensuring equal representation for all citizens.

#5

In the case of Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), what right did the Supreme Court recognize as implicit in the Constitution?

Right to Privacy
Explanation

Recognized a constitutional right to privacy, particularly regarding the use of contraceptives.

#6

In the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954), what did the Supreme Court rule?

Desegregation of public schools was unconstitutional
Explanation

Ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

#7

Which Supreme Court case upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II?

Korematsu v. United States
Explanation

Upheld the constitutionality of internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II.

#8

In Miranda v. Arizona (1966), what constitutional right was addressed by the Supreme Court?

Protection Against Self-Incrimination
Explanation

Established the requirement for law enforcement to inform individuals of their rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present during interrogation.

#9

Which Supreme Court case clarified the limits of presidential power during the Watergate scandal?

United States v. Nixon
Explanation

Ruled that the president cannot use executive privilege to withhold evidence relevant to criminal investigations.

#10

In the case of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), what issue was addressed by the Supreme Court?

Same-Sex Marriage
Explanation

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, overturning state bans.

#11

In Roe v. Wade (1973), what constitutional right was at the center of the case?

Right to Privacy
Explanation

Established a woman's right to choose abortion as protected under the right to privacy.

#12

Which Supreme Court case determined that states could not criminalize same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults?

Lawrence v. Texas
Explanation

Struck down sodomy laws, decriminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity.

#13

What did the Supreme Court decide in the case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?

Right to Legal Counsel
Explanation

Established that individuals accused of a crime have the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford one.

#14

In the case of Citizens United v. FEC (2010), what did the Supreme Court rule regarding campaign finance?

Regulating campaign spending is a violation of free speech
Explanation

Held that restrictions on corporate and union spending in elections violate the First Amendment's protection of free speech.

#15

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Upheld 'separate but equal' doctrine
Explanation

Affirmed the constitutionality of state laws requiring racial segregation in public facilities as long as the facilities were 'separate but equal.'

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