FCLE Landmark Supreme Court Cases Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What was the central holding of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws

Answer

Congress has the power to override presidential vetoes

Answer

States cannot nullify federal laws

Answer

The president can appoint judges without Senate approval

Question 2

What did the Supreme Court rule in Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

Accepted Answer

Racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional

Answer

Segregation in public facilities was permitted under 'separate but equal'

Answer

States could set their own desegregation timelines

Answer

Only Congress had the power to end school segregation

Question 3

What constitutional right was established by Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?

Accepted Answer

The right to be informed of one's rights before police interrogation

Answer

The right to a public trial

Answer

The right to bail in all criminal cases

Answer

The right to confront one's accuser in court

Question 4

The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld which doctrine?

Accepted Answer

Separate but equal racial segregation

Answer

Affirmative action in education

Answer

Equal voting rights for all races

Answer

The integration of the U.S. military

Question 5

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Accepted Answer

It upheld the federal government's implied powers and the supremacy of federal law over state law

Answer

It established the right to free speech in political campaigns

Answer

It ruled that states could tax federal agencies

Answer

It established the basis for the Electoral College

Question 6

What was the ruling in Engel v. Vitale (1962) regarding school-sponsored prayer?

Accepted Answer

School-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause

Answer

Schools may require a moment of silence each day

Answer

Students may lead voluntary prayer during school hours

Answer

Religious clubs in public schools are unconstitutional