This authoritative text and reference work is based upon landmark cases decided by the Supreme Court and still prevailing. Widely adopted and recommended for courses and research in American history, constitutional law, government, and political science. Clear, concise summaries of the most frequently cited cases since the establishment of the U.S. Supreme Court; each summary gives the question at issue, the decision and the reason behind it, votes of the justices, pertinent corollary cases, and notes offering further information on the subject; detailed explanation of the organization and functions of the Supreme Court; a complete text of the Constitution of the United States; a complete index of all cases cited; listings of all the chief justices and associate justices, the dates of their service, and president who appointed them, their state of origin, and their birth and death dates.