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Questions and Answers
What principle was established by the Supreme Court in the case of US v. Wong Kim Ark?
What principle was established by the Supreme Court in the case of US v. Wong Kim Ark?
The principle of birthright citizenship was established, meaning anyone born in the United States is a US citizen regardless of their parents' nationalities.
What was the Supreme Court's main finding in Brown v. Board of Education?
What was the Supreme Court's main finding in Brown v. Board of Education?
The Court found that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional as they violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
How did Engel v. Vitale impact prayer in public schools?
How did Engel v. Vitale impact prayer in public schools?
The case ruled that public schools cannot initiate prayers for students, as it violates the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of religion.
What was the significance of the New York Times v. United States case regarding press freedom?
What was the significance of the New York Times v. United States case regarding press freedom?
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What constitutional right was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade?
What constitutional right was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade?
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Study Notes
The US Supreme Court and Landmark Cases
- The US Supreme Court significantly impacts American life, shaping legal frameworks and aspects of society.
- The US Supreme Court, established in 1790, has ruled on thousands of cases.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
- US v. Wong Kim Ark (1898): Established birthright citizenship—anyone born in the US is a citizen, regardless of parents' nationality. Court ruling was 6-2, citing the 14th Amendment.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared racially segregated schools unconstitutional, overturning "separate but equal." The Court found that separate facilities were inherently unequal, violating the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.
- Engel v. Vitale (1962): Ruled that public schools cannot initiate prayers, violating the First Amendment's religion clause and prohibition against government establishment of religion. A 6-1 ruling determined the New York State school system's daily prayer was unconstitutional.
- New York Times v. United States (1971): Expanded freedom of press, ruling the government couldn't prevent publication of the Pentagon Papers (classified US government report on the Vietnam War) without proving harm to the nation. The ruling was 6-3.
- Roe v. Wade (1973): Guaranteed women's right to abortion in the first trimester, recognizing a right to privacy regarding pregnancy. Allowed later state restrictions to protect women's health and the potential fetus. The ruling was 7-2.
- Texas v. Johnson (1989): Ruled flag burning is protected free speech, as offensive speech is protected under the First Amendment. The Court (5-4) determined Gregory Johnson's actions were constitutionally protected.
- District of Columbia v. Heller (2008): Affirmed Second Amendment right to possess firearms unconnected to military service. The Court (5-4) struck down a District of Columbia law restricting handgun use, rejecting the argument that the Second Amendment only applies to military service.
- Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): Granted same-sex couples the right to marry nationwide. Recognized due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing marriage rights equally for same-sex couples. Ruling was 5-4.
- Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022): Overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. The decision left the matter to individual states. The Court upheld a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, overturning a decades old precedent.
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Description
Explore the significant landmark cases decided by the US Supreme Court and their lasting impacts on American society. This quiz covers pivotal rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education, US v. Wong Kim Ark, and Engel v. Vitale, among others. Test your knowledge on how these cases shaped legal and social frameworks in the United States.
