Cases Flashcards
National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)
The case presented two main issues: whether Congress had the authority under the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause to enact the individual mandate, and whether the Medicaid expansion constituted a coercive use of Congress’s spending powers in violation of the Tenth Amendment.
The Supreme Court held that the individual mandate could not be upheld under the Commerce Clause or the Necessary and Proper Clause but could be constitutionally upheld as a tax under Congress’s taxing power. Regarding the Medicaid expansion, the Court held that while Congress could offer funds to states to expand Medicaid, it could not penalize states for choosing not to participate in the expansion by withholding existing Medicaid funding.
** Chief Justice Roberts opinion
1. He was neutral
2. Gov’t powers are limited and they have no control over consequences.
3. Main issue was federalism
4. It was a big distinction between policy and law
5. Does the Gov’t have the power to do what is being asked of them to do?
6. The Supreme Courts interpret the constitution and apply the law to it.
7. Federal Gov’t did not have authority to obtain health insurance.
