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Legal Landmark Cases in U.S. History Quiz

#1

Which case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison
Explanation

Established the Supreme Court's power to review and strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

#2

Which case declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, ending the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

#3

Which case upheld the right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment?

Gideon v. Wainwright
Explanation

Established the right to legal counsel for criminal defendants, even if they can't afford it.

#4

In which case was the 'separate but equal' doctrine overturned?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Overturned the doctrine of 'separate but equal' in public education, deeming it unconstitutional.

#5

Which case established the 'clear and present danger' test for free speech limitations?

Schenck v. United States
Explanation

Limited free speech when it poses a 'clear and present danger' to national security.

#6

Which case ruled that laws criminalizing homosexual conduct are unconstitutional?

Lawrence v. Texas
Explanation

Declared laws banning consensual homosexual conduct as unconstitutional.

#7

In which case was the exclusionary rule established, requiring illegally obtained evidence to be excluded from trial?

Mapp v. Ohio
Explanation

Established that evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in criminal trials.

#8

Which case established the 'Miranda rights' for criminal suspects?

Miranda v. Arizona
Explanation

Established that suspects must be informed of their rights before being questioned by law enforcement.

#9

Which case established the right to privacy, including the right to abortion?

Roe v. Wade
Explanation

Established a woman's right to abortion within certain limitations, based on the right to privacy.

#10

Which case affirmed the principle of 'one person, one vote'?

Reynolds v. Sims
Explanation

Established that state legislative districts must be roughly equal in population.

#11

Which case upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate?

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius
Explanation

Upheld the individual mandate as a valid exercise of Congress's taxing power.

#12

Which case affirmed the right to same-sex marriage nationwide?

Obergefell v. Hodges
Explanation

Legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, recognizing it as a fundamental right.

#13

Which case ruled that racially gerrymandered districts are unconstitutional?

Shaw v. Reno
Explanation

Declared that redistricting based on race must be held to a standard of strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause.

#14

Which case established the right to counsel for indigent defendants in felony cases?

Gideon v. Wainwright
Explanation

Established the right to legal representation for defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

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