The Court in Action - AP US Government and Politics

1. What is judicial review?

   The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison to check legislative and executive power.

2. Identify the term for a decision that serves as an example for future cases.

   Precedent. Prior rulings guide future judicial decisions under stare decisis.

3. Identify the term for a court's authority to hear a case.

   Jurisdiction. Determines which courts can legally hear specific cases.

4. Which case overturned 'separate but equal'?

   Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Declared segregated schools inherently unequal and unconstitutional.

5. Identify the case that addressed affirmative action in university admissions.

   Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Race can be factor but not sole basis for admissions.

6. Identify the case that established judicial review.

   Marbury v. Madison (1803). Chief Justice Marshall established judicial review precedent.

7. What is original jurisdiction?

   The authority to hear a case first, before any other court. Trial court level where cases begin in the judicial system.

8. What is the role of the Supreme Court in the federal government?

   To interpret the Constitution and review laws. Serves as final arbiter of constitutional meaning and federal law.

9. What is a concurring opinion?

   An opinion that agrees with the majority outcome but for different reasons. Agrees with result but offers different legal rationale.

10. What is the significance of the case Roe v. Wade (1973)?

    Legalized abortion nationwide under the right to privacy. Based decision on Fourteenth Amendment privacy rights.

11. What is the significance of the case Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?

    Established the requirement of Miranda warnings for detained suspects. Protects Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

12. Which case established the principle of 'separate but equal'?

    Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). Upheld racial segregation for nearly 60 years until Brown.

13. What is appellate jurisdiction?

    The authority to review decisions made by lower courts. Appeals courts review for legal errors, not new evidence.

14. Identify the primary function of the Supreme Court.

    To interpret the Constitution and ensure laws comply with it. Final constitutional interpreter and guardian of federal law.

15. Which branch of government does the Supreme Court belong to?

    The Judicial Branch. One of three co-equal branches under separation of powers.

16. What is the significance of the case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)?

    Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Extended marriage equality nationwide under Fourteenth Amendment.

17. Identify the case that reinforced the principle of federal supremacy.

    McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). Established federal law supremacy over conflicting state laws.

18. Which case established the principle of judicial review?

    Marbury v. Madison (1803). Marshall's decision created judicial review precedent in 1803.

19. Which amendment is often cited in cases involving search and seizure?

    The Fourth Amendment. Protects against unreasonable searches and requires warrants.

20. What is stare decisis?

    The doctrine of adhering to precedent in judicial decisions. Latin for 'let the decision stand'; promotes legal stability.

21. What is the significance of the case United States v. Nixon (1974)?

    Limited presidential power through the rejection of absolute executive privilege. Executive privilege exists but is not absolute or unlimited.

22. Identify the principle upheld in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

    Right to counsel for defendants unable to afford an attorney. Guaranteed under Sixth Amendment for all criminal defendants.

23. What is the significance of the case Bush v. Gore (2000)?

    Resolved the 2000 presidential election dispute. Stopped Florida recount and effectively decided presidential election.

24. What is the 'rule of four' in the Supreme Court?

    Four justices must agree to grant a writ of certiorari. Minimum votes needed to review a case on appeal.

25. Identify the case that dealt with the internment of Japanese Americans.

    Korematsu v. United States (1944). Upheld wartime internment based on military necessity claims.

26. What does the term 'amicus curiae' mean?

    Friend of the court, a party not involved in the case offering information. Allows outside parties to provide expertise on legal issues.

27. Identify the case that established the principle of freedom of speech in schools.

    Tinker v. Des Moines (1969). Students retain constitutional rights in public school settings.

28. What is a writ of certiorari?

    An order by which a higher court reviews a lower court's decision. Latin for 'to be informed'; grants discretionary review.

29. What is a majority opinion?

    A judicial opinion agreed to by more than half of the court. Establishes binding precedent and court's official reasoning.

30. Which case is known for establishing the exclusionary rule?

    Mapp v. Ohio (1961). Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court proceedings.

31. What does the term 'judicial activism' imply?

    Judges making decisions based on personal views or policy considerations. Courts actively interpret law to promote social change.

32. Identify the case that established the principle of 'one person, one vote'.

    Baker v. Carr (1962). Required equal population in legislative districts for fair representation.

33. What is the role of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

    Presides over court sessions, administers oaths, leads the federal judiciary. Senior justice with additional administrative and ceremonial duties.

34. What type of cases does the Supreme Court typically hear?

    Cases involving constitutional or federal law issues. Focuses on significant legal questions and constitutional matters.

35. What is the role of the Solicitor General?

    Represents the federal government before the Supreme Court. Chief advocate for federal government in Supreme Court cases.

36. Identify the case that reinforced the right to counsel during police interrogations.

    Miranda v. Arizona (1966). Required police to inform suspects of their constitutional rights.

37. What is the significance of the case Loving v. Virginia (1967)?

    Struck down laws banning interracial marriage. Marriage is fundamental right regardless of racial differences.

38. What is a dissenting opinion?

    An opinion disagreeing with the majority in a court ruling. Expresses disagreement and alternative legal reasoning.

39. What does the term 'judicial restraint' imply?

    Judges limiting their power by deferring to elected branches and precedent. Courts avoid policy-making and defer to legislative intent.

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