Cases- Federalism

Question 1

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Answer 1

Can the government be taxed by the states?
No, States do not possess domain over the federal government. The people did not design the government to be dependent on the states (federalism)

Question 2

Scott v. Stanford (1857)

Answer 2

Is Scott entitled to sue in federal court and is the Missouri compromise constitutional?
Slaves were never intended to be part of the people so they cannot claim any rights and privileges that the constitution secures for its citizens
Missouri compromise was not constitutional because under the constitution, the federal gov has no power to rule over the states at its own pleasure

Question 3

Coyle v. Smith (1911)

Answer 3

Does Congress have the power to admit states, including the power to tell states where they must locate their capital?
Union of states is equal in power and authority, meaning that as a condition of statehood, congress cannot tell the state where the capital should be. Location of capital is a state power (principle of equal sovereignty)

Question 4

Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)

Answer 4

Does congress’ regulation of commerce allow it to intrude upon the state’s police power?
The Child Labor Act was unconstitutional because it violated congress’ commerce powers and Exerts fed. Power over local matter

Question 5

U.S v Darby (1941)

Answer 5

Involves Fair Labor act (1938), Does Hammer (1918) control the outcome?
The 10th amendment is a truism, just a declaration of the relationship between the national government and the states. Does not deprive the national government of the authority to exercise “proper power” (substantial effects test)

Question 6

New York v. United States (1992)

Answer 6

Involves the Radioactive Waste Policy Act
Can congress dictate to the states what to do w/ radioactive waste & may the federal government constitutionally command the states to carry out a federal policy?
Constitution does not confer upon congress to commandeer the legislative process of the states to enact a federal program
States cannot be coerced into compliance (anti commandeering)

Question 7

Printz v. United States (1997)

Answer 7

Involves the brandy handgun violence act (1993), required local chief enforcement officers to verify if seller was qualified to buy/own
Can the federal government command state/local officials to conduct background checks? Congress cannot impose responsibilities on the states without their consent (anti-commandeering)

Question 8

Murphy v. NCAA (2018)

Answer 8

PASPA (1992) makes it unlawful for states to authorize a sports gambling scene
Does PASPA infringe on New Jersey’s Sovereign authority to end its sports gambling ban?
PASPA is unconstitutional because it illegally dictates what state legislatures may or may not do, it infringes upon the sovereignty of the states (anti commandeering)