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United States Supreme Court and Its Historical Evolution Quiz

#1

Who was the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court?

John Jay
Explanation

John Jay was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court by President George Washington in 1789.

#2

Which amendment to the United States Constitution established the right to a fair and speedy trial?

Sixth Amendment
Explanation

The Sixth Amendment, ratified in 1791, guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial, among other rights, for criminal defendants.

#3

Which amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech?

First Amendment
Explanation

The First Amendment, ratified in 1791, guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

#4

Who was the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court?

Sandra Day O'Connor
Explanation

Sandra Day O'Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and became the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court.

#5

Which landmark case established the principle of judicial review in the United States?

Marbury v. Madison
Explanation

Marbury v. Madison, decided in 1803, established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

#6

Which United States Supreme Court case established the principle of 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Plessy v. Ferguson, decided in 1896, established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, allowing racial segregation in public facilities.

#7

Who was the first African American appointed to the United States Supreme Court?

Thurgood Marshall
Explanation

Thurgood Marshall was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967, becoming the first African American Justice on the Supreme Court.

#8

Who was the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court to have been born after World War II?

John Roberts
Explanation

John Roberts, born in 1955, was nominated as Chief Justice by President George W. Bush in 2005, making him the first Chief Justice born after World War II.

#9

In which case did the United States Supreme Court rule that separate but equal facilities were inherently unequal and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark case in 1954, declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

#10

Who was the longest-serving Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court?

William Rehnquist
Explanation

William Rehnquist served as Chief Justice from 1986 until his death in 2005, making him the longest-serving Chief Justice in history.

#11

In which United States Supreme Court case was the right to privacy established?

Griswold v. Connecticut
Explanation

Griswold v. Connecticut, decided in 1965, established a constitutional right to privacy, particularly in marital relationships.

#12

Which United States Supreme Court case established the 'right to counsel' for criminal defendants?

Gideon v. Wainwright
Explanation

Gideon v. Wainwright, decided in 1963, established that criminal defendants have a constitutional right to counsel, even if they cannot afford one.

#13

In which United States Supreme Court case was the principle of 'one person, one vote' established?

Reynolds v. Sims
Explanation

Reynolds v. Sims, decided in 1964, established the principle of 'one person, one vote' for legislative apportionment, ensuring equal representation.

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