Biden v. Nebraska

McCulloch v. Maryland

17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 316 (1819)

Upheld the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States under the Necessary and Proper Clause and held that states cannot tax federal institutions. Chief Justice Marshall established a broad interpretation of congressional power, declaring that the federal government possesses implied powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution.

Gibbons v. Ogden

22 U.S. (9 Wheat.) 1 (1824)

Held that the Commerce Clause grants Congress broad power to regulate interstate commerce, including navigation. States cannot grant monopolies that interfere with congressionally authorized interstate trade. Established the foundation for federal regulatory power over economic activity crossing state lines.

Lochner v. New York

198 U.S. 45 (1905)

Struck down a New York law limiting bakery workers to a 60-hour work week, holding it violated the Fourteenth Amendment's protection of liberty of contract. Inaugurated the 'Lochner era' of aggressive judicial review of economic regulations, which lasted until the late 1930s. Now widely criticized as judicial overreach.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

347 U.S. 483 (1954)

Unanimously held that racial segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Chief Justice Warren wrote that 'in the field of public education, the doctrine of separate but equal has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.' Overruled Plessy v. Ferguson and catalyzed the civil rights movement.

Engel v. Vitale

370 U.S. 421 (1962)

Held that government-directed prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Even a nondenominational prayer composed by a state government agency is unconstitutional when recited in public schools. Established a firm barrier between public education and state-sponsored religious activity.