Obergefell v. Hodges: AP Government Practice Questions

📚 Topic Summary

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case from 2015. The Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, overturning state bans and ensuring equal rights for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.

This case consolidated several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of state laws prohibiting same-sex marriage. The ruling affirmed that marriage is a fundamental right and that denying this right to same-sex couples violates the Constitution.

✍️ Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with the correct definition:

1. Term: Due Process Clause
2. Term: Equal Protection Clause
3. Term: Fourteenth Amendment
4. Term: Fundamental Right
5. Term: Obergefell v. Hodges

1. Definition: A right that is considered essential and protected by the Constitution.
2. Definition: A landmark Supreme Court case legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
3. Definition: A clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
4. Definition: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that includes the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.
5. Definition: A clause in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments that prohibits the government from depriving a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

(Match the numbers to the correct definitions)

📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph with the correct words:

In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to ___________ is a fundamental right. This decision was based on the ___________ Clause and the ___________ Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This ruling effectively ___________ same-sex marriage nationwide.

(Word Bank: marry, Due Process, Equal Protection, legalized)

💡 Part C: Critical Thinking

Explain how Obergefell v. Hodges reflects the Supreme Court's role in interpreting the Constitution and protecting individual rights. Consider its impact on American society.