What happened in Baker v Carr?
Asked by: Felicia Franecki I | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 5/5 (10 votes)
In Baker v. Carr (1962), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal courts can hear cases challenging legislative redistricting, establishing that unequal representation in state legislative districts violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, thus making apportionment a justiciable (court-reviewable) issue, not just a "political question". This landmark decision, brought by Tennessee urban voters against rural-biased district maps, paved the way for the "one person, one vote" principle, allowing courts to mandate fairer districts with roughly equal populations, profoundly shifting political power.
What happened in the case of Baker v Carr?
Summary. In the 6-2 majority opinion, the Supreme Court held that questions of legislative apportionment were justiciable. In his majority opinion, Justice William Brennan cited previous examples where the Court corrected state administration of laws that violated the rights of its citizens.
What did the Baker decision say you could successfully do?
The Baker decision established that redistricting issues could be subject to judicial review, allowing courts to intervene in cases of extreme partisan gerrymandering.
What was the result of the Supreme Court decision in Baker v Carr quizlet?
The Fourteenth Amendment addresses a variety of issues concerning citizenship and citizens' rights "Equal protection of the laws". As a result of the Supreme Court decision in Baker v. Carr (1962), courts can require states to redraw voting districts so that they are roughly equal in population.
What is the legacy of Baker v. Carr?
The decision opened the door to lawsuits over legislative apportionment in other states, many of which alleged that state legislatures had failed to reapportion districts to reflect growing urban populations, thereby giving undue political influence to voters in rural areas.
Baker v. Carr, EXPLAINED [AP Gov Required Supreme Court Cases]
Who won, Baker or Carr?
The opinion was finally handed down in March 1962, nearly a year after it was initially argued. The Court split 6 to 2 in ruling that Baker's case was justiciable, producing, in addition to the opinion of the Court by Justice William J. Brennan, three concurring opinions and two dissenting opinions.
What was the significant ruling of the Baker Supreme Court case?
Cases about apportionment could now be heard by the Supreme Court. The ruling in Baker v. Carr (1962) was pivotal because it established that cases involving legislative apportionment could be heard by federal courts.
What 1969 event became the most dramatic action taken by militant American Indians in the United States?
The occupation of Alcatraz Island is one of the most significant Red Power Movement actions, acting as a catalyst for the movement as a whole. On November 20, 1969, a group of American Indian activists under the name “Indians of All Tribes” occupied Alcatraz, an island in the San Francisco bay.
What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims and Baker v. Carr Quizlet?
What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims and Baker v. Carr? It declared the constitutional principle of "one person, one vote."
What was the effect of the Warren Court's decision in Baker v. Carr (1962)?
Baker v. Carr (1962) is the U.S. Supreme Court case that held that federal courts could hear cases alleging that a state's drawing of electoral boundaries, i.e. redistricting, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution.
How important can a baker be for a village?
A baker is important for a village for several reasons: Food Supply: Bakers provide essential food items like bread, cakes, and pastries which are a staple in many diets. Community Gathering: The bakery can become a social spot where villagers meet and interact.
Who can reverse the judgement of the Supreme Court?
A Supreme Court decision can be overturned by another Supreme Court ruling (a new case), a Constitutional Amendment, or if the ruling interpreted a federal statute, by Congress passing a new law. While the President can't overturn a decision directly, they influence future courts through appointments, and Congress can pass legislation to clarify or change laws interpreted by the Court.
What is the intent of the Baker Act?
What is the Baker Act? The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, focuses on crisis services for individuals with mental illness, much like an emergency department is for individuals experiencing a medical emergency.
How did the Baker v. Carr case change the Supreme Court?
Consistent with its decision in Baker, the Supreme Court has held that gerrymandering based on improper criteria, such as race, can be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause.
Why was this case one of the most important cases the Supreme Court has ever decided?
Marbury v. Madison, arguably the most important case in Supreme Court history, was the first U.S. Supreme Court case to apply the principle of "judicial review" -- the power of federal courts to void acts of Congress in conflict with the Constitution.
What impact did the Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr have on how political districts are created?
On March 26, 1962, the Supreme Court decided Baker v. Carr, finding that it had the power to review the redistricting of state legislative districts under the 14th Amendment.
Why did Indigenous people occupy Alcatraz?
The underlying goals of the Indians on Alcatraz were to awaken the American public to the reality of the plight of the first Americans and to assert the need for Indian self-determination.
Who initiated the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
The longest continuous debate in Senate history took place in 1964 over the Civil Rights Act. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who had proposed the legislation, it was strongly advocated by his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson.
What is significant about November 20, 1969?
On November 20th, 1969, Native American activists organized under the banner of United Indians of All Tribes, journeyed to Alcatraz Island and proclaimed it as Indian Land.
What impact does Baker v. Carr have today?
Baker v. Carr opened the door to judicial review of the redistricting process, prompted a cascade of subsequent lawsuits, and sent shockwaves through the redistricting community.
What was the outcome of the Baker case?
The Supreme Court said that decision-makers must be "reasonable". They also found that Ministerial decisions in this case should follow values that are in international human rights law. The disposition in the case was that the matter was returned to the Minister for redetermination by a different immigration officer.
Did the Baker win the case?
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of his sincerely held religious beliefs, but the high court left critical questions about free speech unanswered.
Who sued who in Baker v. Carr?
A group of urban voters including Memphis resident Charles Baker sued Tennessee Secretary of State Joseph Carr for more equal representation. In a 6-2 decision, Justice William Brennan wrote for the majority that the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause was valid grounds to bring a reapportionment lawsuit.
What did the Baker decision say you could successfully do?
The Baker decision established that redistricting issues could be subject to judicial review, allowing courts to intervene in cases of extreme partisan gerrymandering.
Which of the following most clearly states the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1962)?
Which of the following most clearly states the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1962)? The redistricting of state legislative districts is justiciable by the Federal Courts.