How Does the U.S. Supreme Court Affect Politics? Key Cases to Know

Introduction

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land, exercising immense influence over American politics. Its decisions have the power to shape the political landscape, determine the rights of citizens, and influence the course of history.

The Supreme Court’s Impact on American Politics

The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and determining the boundaries of federal power. Through its decisions, it can:

Set precedents that guide future legislation and legal rulings
Nullify laws passed by Congress or state legislatures
Protect individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution
Strike down executive actions that violate constitutional principles

Landmark Cases Shaping Political Discourse

Throughout American history, the Supreme Court has issued a series of landmark rulings that have had a profound impact on the nation’s politics. These cases include:

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review, giving the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine and prohibited racial segregation in public schools.
Roe v. Wade (1973): Recognized a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion.
Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns.
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): Legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States.

Landmark Cases Shaping Political Discourse (Cont.)

Bush v. Gore (2000): Intervened in the presidential election and awarded the presidency to George W. Bush.
Shelby County v. Holder (2013): Struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, weakening protections against voter discrimination.
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014): Exempted closely held corporations from the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate on religious grounds.
Trump v. Hawaii (2018): Upheld the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.
Bostock v. Clayton County (2020): Extended anti-discrimination protections under the Civil Rights Act to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Summary

The Supreme Court has a significant impact on American politics by interpreting the Constitution, determining the boundaries of federal power, and protecting individual rights. Its landmark rulings have shaped the nation’s legal and political landscape, influencing everything from presidential elections to the rights of marginalized groups. As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history.