The Constitution & the Supreme Court Quiz
Landmark rights and the cases that defined them. 10 multiple-choice questions with explanations.
Questions
What did Brown v. Board of Education (1954) decide?
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State-mandated segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. It overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine for public education.
What did Miranda v. Arizona (1966) require?
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Police must inform suspects of their rights before questioning. That is why police read the "Miranda warning."
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
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4th. The 4th Amendment generally requires warrants based on probable cause.
Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly?
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1st. These are all in the First Amendment.
What did Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) decide?
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Same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The 5–4 ruling applied nationwide.
What did Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) do?
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Overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion regulation to the states. After Dobbs, states set their own abortion laws.
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) held that…
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Independent political spending by corporations and unions is protected speech. Direct contributions to candidates are still limited.
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) held that the Second Amendment…
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Protects an individual right to keep a handgun at home for self-defense. The ruling also said some regulations remain permissible.
How many states must ratify a constitutional amendment?
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Three-fourths (38). Amendments are usually proposed by two-thirds of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states.
What does the 10th Amendment say?
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Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. It is central to debates over federalism.