AP Government and Politics
Advanced Placement Government and Politics analyzing American political institutions and processes.
Practical Applications
Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
Understanding Judicial Reasoning
The Supreme Court's decisions interpret the Constitution and shape American society. Learning to read and analyze these rulings helps you understand how laws are applied and changed.
How to Analyze
- Read the Facts: What happened, and who was involved?
- Identify the Issue: What constitutional question is being answered?
- Majority vs. Dissent: Compare the main opinion with any disagreements.
Making Connections
Supreme Court rulings often affect current events and future laws, influencing everything from school policies to individual rights.
Examples
Reading Tinker v. Des Moines to understand student free speech rights.
Comparing majority and dissenting opinions in Roe v. Wade.