Landmark Supreme Court Cases

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Questions and Answers

What fundamental principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), and how did it alter the balance of power within the U.S. government?

Judicial review; it allowed the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws.

Explain how the Necessary and Proper Clause was interpreted in the McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) decision, and what implications this had for the scope of congressional power.

The Court broadly interpreted the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to enact laws that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution as long as they are 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its enumerated powers. This expanded the power of Congress.

In Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), what definition of 'commerce' did the Supreme Court adopt, and why was this significant for federal regulation of economic activity?

The Court defined 'commerce' broadly to include navigation, meaning that Congress could regulate interstate commerce beyond just the buying and selling of goods. This paved the way for federal regulation of various aspects of economic activity.

How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Priggs v. Pennsylvania (1842) address the conflict between state laws and federal authority regarding slavery?

The Court ruled that federal law had supremacy over Pennsylvania's law regarding slavery. The federal government has exclusive power to regulate involuntary servitude. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Supreme Court's reasoning in United States v. Dewitt (1869) for why Congress could not regulate internal trade within a state.

The Court held that Congress's power to regulate commerce did not extend to purely internal trade within a state. The states have the power to regulate internal trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central issue in Hepburn v. Griswold (1869) concerning the Legal Tender Act, and how did the Supreme Court rule on this issue?

The issue was whether Congress could require citizens to accept paper notes as legal tender for debts. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress could not. Signup and view all the answers

In Knox v. Lee (1871), how did the Supreme Court alter its stance from Hepburn v. Griswold regarding Congress's ability to issue paper money, and what was the justification for this change?

The Court reversed its earlier decision in Hepburn v. Griswold, upholding Congress's authority to issue paper money as legal tender. The justification was based on the understanding that paper money was necessary for the function of the government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the key question in United States v. E.C. Knight Co. (1895), and how did the Supreme Court's answer limit the scope of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

The key question was whether Congress could regulate manufacturing under the Commerce Clause. The Court said manufacturing was a local activity, and therefore Congress exceeded its authority. Signup and view all the answers

In Champion v. Ames (1903), what power did the Supreme Court affirm for Congress concerning items deemed harmful to public welfare, and how did this relate to interstate commerce?

The Supreme Court affirmed that Congress can prohibit items deemed harmful to public welfare utilizing its power to regulate interstate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central issue in Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918) concerning child labor, and on what grounds did the Supreme Court find the federal law unconstitutional?

The central issue was whether Congress could prohibit interstate trade of goods produced by child labor. The Supreme Court found the federal law unconstitutional as production is a matter of local regulation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Supreme Court in Schechter Poultry Corp v. United States (1935) used the non-delegation doctrine and separation of powers to invalidate the National Industrial Recovery Act.

The Court held that the Act unconstitutionally delegated legislative powers to the President. The President was setting industry labor standards, which the Court said was the power of Congress, not the President. Signup and view all the answers

How did the ruling in NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. (1937) represent a shift from earlier Supreme Court decisions regarding the regulation of local activities affecting interstate commerce?

The court ruled that Congress can regulate local activity with a substantial economic effect on interstate commerce. The aggregate local activities can be regulated. This was a shift from the court's earlier stance of not allowing Congress of regulating local activities. Signup and view all the answers

In United States v. Darby (1941), how did the Supreme Court justify Congress's power to regulate manufacturing under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and what impact did this have on interstate commerce?

The Court held that Congress could regulate manufacturing with a substantial impact on interstate commerce. This allowed Congress to use the Commerce Clause to regulate working conditions and standards. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Wickard v. Filburn (1942) in the context of the Commerce Clause, particularly regarding activities that have a substantial effect on interstate commerce.

The Court found that Congress could regulate activities that have a substantial effect on interstate commerce. Even if it is a small impact, it is still under the purview of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

According to John Locke, where does government power originate, and what is the government's fundamental responsibility?

Government power comes from the consent of the governed. The government should protect the common good. Signup and view all the answers

According to James Madison, what is the benefit of diverse groups in a society?

Diverse groups prevent populism. This ensures a more stable society. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and how did the U.S. Constitution address these shortcomings?

The Articles had a weak central government with no power to tax, and treated states as individual sovereigns. The U.S. Constitution established a stronger central government with checks and balances, the ability to raise taxes, and regulate interstate trade. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, what is required of states concerning decisions made by other states?

Full faith and credit for decisions made by other states. The other states must honor the decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What requirements are outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution for amending the document?

Amend the Constitution with 2/3 approval from both houses. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, what is the supreme law of the land?

Constitution, federal law, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject of Federalist No. 78, and why is it important in U.S. governance?

Federalist No. 78 is about the importance of an independent judiciary, tenure, and stable salary for judges. It is important for U.S. governance because it explains the court's power of judicial review. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article III, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court is created and what is allowed to Congress?

Congress can add inferior courts. Congress is also allowed to give life tenure and pay protection for justices. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article III, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution, what does it define, and what are the types of cases?

It defines the scope of Case and Controversies, sets out types of cases where Supreme Court has appellate vs. original jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the ruling of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl (2013) and Haaland v. Brackeem (2022). What are the similarities and major differences between these cases?

Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl had ICWA's constitutionality questioned, but not applied. Haaland v. Brackeem Upheld ICWA's constitutionality and also said Native tribes are sovereign. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Supreme Court has addressed Commerce Clause and Drugs. What are the details from Taylor v. U.S..

Taylor v. U.S. says Congress can regulate criminal activity that interferes with interstate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, allowing courts to determine if a federal law aligns with the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Congress can enact laws necessary and proper to execute its enumerated powers.