The Supreme Law of the Land - WHAT POWERS DO THE STATES HAVE UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL LAW?

20 important questions on The Supreme Law of the Land - WHAT POWERS DO THE STATES HAVE UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL LAW?

How does the creation of a national government relate to state authority in the constitutional scheme?

The balance of power between the national and state governments is complex:
  • National government has enumerated powers
  • States have general authority
  • Courts define operational areas for both

What is the basic principle of federalism in the U.S. constitutional system?

Federalism is characterized by:
  • Power sharing between state and national governments
  • National government has limited, enumerated powers
  • States have broad general police powers

How does the Tenth Amendment influence state powers?

The Tenth Amendment emphasizes that:
  • Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states
  • It asserts the authority of states beyond the national government's authority
  • States maintain a general authority to legislate
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What is dual sovereignty and how did it affect federal authority historically?

Dual sovereignty is defined by:
  • Separate spheres of authority for national and state governments
  • The Supreme Court historically limited federal power
  • Often invalidated federal laws infringing on state jurisdiction

How has the concept of preemption changed the allocation of authority between federal and state governments?

Preemption affects governance by:
  • Federal law can override state law when conflicting
  • States are barred from legislating in areas of federal jurisdiction
  • Shifts focus to balancing local and national interests

What role does the Supreme Court play in determining the extent of preemption?

The Court evaluates preemption by:
  • Assessing Congress’s intent to preempt state law
  • Distinguishing between actual and potential conflicts
  • Considering federalism and national uniformity in laws

How does the dormant power doctrine impact state legislation?

The dormant power doctrine suggests that:
  • States may not legislate where federal power exists but is unexercised
  • Early debates focused on the weakness of state laws under the Articles of Confederation
  • Conflicts with interstate commerce may limit state authority

In what ways can Congress influence state behavior indirectly through financial mechanisms?

Congress can condition state participation by:
  • Establishing federal spending programs
  • Withholding funds to enforce compliance with national standards
  • The Supreme Court permits this under stated spending power

What limits did NFIB v. Sebelius place on congressional spending conditions?

NFIB v. Sebelius established that:
  • Some spending conditions may be coercive
  • Threat of fund withdrawal could undermine state discretion
  • Constitutional limitations on encouraging vs. coercing participation

What does the Constitution say about state authority?

Little is specified regarding state authority. Key points include:
  • Few powers are explicitly granted to states.
  • Limited restrictions placed on federal authority.
  • Supreme Court struggles to define operational areas for both levels of government.

What is the basic postulate of the U.S. constitutional system regarding governmental power?

The concept of federalism defines this system:
  • Governmental power is shared between state and national governments.
  • The federal government has enumerated powers.
  • States maintain general police power.

How does the Tenth Amendment affect state power compared to the federal government?

It indicates that:
  • State authority exceeds that of the national government.
  • Powers not delegated to the U.S. or prohibited to the states are reserved for states or the people.

What role has the Supreme Court played in defining federal and state authority historically?

The Court historically has:
  • Limited federal authority in favor of state power.
  • Invalidated congressional enactments when overreaching.
  • Supported the concept of dual sovereignty.

How has the concept of dual sovereignty changed over time?

It has shifted to:
  • A decline in distinguishing between spheres of sovereignty.
  • A greater acceptance of federal authority post-New Deal.
  • Applicability of the doctrine of preemption.

What is the significance of the doctrine of preemption?

It signifies:
  • Federal law can override state law that conflicts with it.
  • It applies even in the absence of an explicit conflict.
  • Courts analyze Congress's intent in preemption cases.

How does Congress use its spending power to influence state actions?

Congress can:
  • Establish federal programs, condition funding on compliance.
  • Influence state law indirectly instead of directly commanding states.
  • Examples include the minimum drinking age and highway funds.

What was the outcome of the NFIB v. Sebelius (2013) case regarding Congress's power?

The court ruled that:
  • Indiana's Medicaid expansion was unconstitutional.
  • It viewed the federal government's coercion of states as improper.
  • Threat of fund cuts was seen as undue pressure.

How does the supremacy clause relate to federal and state law?

The supremacy clause establishes:
  • Federal constitution and laws as supreme.
  • State laws must adhere to federal law when in conflict.
  • Limits state authority in areas of federal legislation.

What is the nature of the police power held by states?

State general police power allows:
  • Governments to act in the usual ways.
  • Some areas of legislation that federal government cannot direct.
  • Courts have limited law on state authority compared to federal.

How did the Supreme Court balance local interests against interstate commerce?

The Court considered:
  • Local legislation may be upheld if it serves legitimate state interests.
  • Laws must not unduly burden or discriminate against interstate commerce.
  • Cases like South Carolina State Highway Dept. v. Barnwell Bros. illustrate this.

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