Gov Federalism Timeline

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Court deemed the establishment of a national bank was within congress' jurisdiction because it is necessary and proper for enforcing the enumerated power of coining and printing money. Denied the right of a state to tax the federal bank using the Constitution's supremacy clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Broadened the definition of the commerce clause and the scope of national power by affirming that modes of transportation across state lines is also commerce

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

The Supreme Court concluded that the U.S. Congress lacked the constitutional authority to bar slavery in the territories. This decision narrowed the scope of national power, while it enhanced that of the states.

Civil War Amendments (1865-1870)

13th Amendment: Abolished slavery in the United States

14th Amendment: Naturalization and due process - Equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment: No state could deny the right to vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Legalized segregation in publicly owned facilities on the basis of "separate but equal."

16th amendment (1913)

Congress is given the power to tax incomes

17th amendment (1913)

Established that senators were to be elected directly by voters (instead of by state legislatures as under the Constitution originally).

New Deal Programs (1933-39)

Marks a turn towards cooperative federalism by expanding the national government's role. FDR's plan to bring relief, recovery, and reform to the US during the great depression. Included programs such as the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Commission) and AAA (Agriculture Adjustment Act)

Wickard v. Filburn (1942)

The Court maintained that Congress' power extends even to intrastate commerce if it has substantial effect interstate commerce. Also stated that individual non-activity in the marketplace is actionable if that activity could have a substantial effect on interstate commerce.

Heart of Atlanta Motel v. U.S. (1964)

Congress has the right the prohibit racial discrimination in places of public accommodation through the Commerce Clause because the interstate movement of people is "commerce"

Great Society Programs (1964-1968)

A domestic program in the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson that instituted federally sponsored social welfare programs. Increased national power scope and fiscal federalism through many grant-in-aid programs such as medicaid and elementary and secondary education program

Reagan Block Grants (1980)

Reagan's objective was to transfer some responsibilities from the federal government to private business or state and local governments. He did this through block grants; Federal grants-in-aid that allow states considerable discretion in how the funds are spent.

South Dakota v. Dole (1987)

Congress is allowed to attach "strings" (conditions of aid) to money given to states (raise drinking age to 21 to get highway funds). Major tool of fiscal federalism.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

A law passed in 1990 that requires states to make public facilities accommodate for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against these individuals in employment. Example of unfunded mandate.

Contract with America (1994)

Pledge taken by Republican candidates for Congress who promised to reduce the size and scope of the federal government and to balance the federal budget. Example of devolution

U.S. v Lopez (1995)

Gun Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce. The first case to begin reigning in Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (1996)

Changed the AFDC (categorical grant) to the TANF (block grant). Provides grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services. Example of devolution

Gonzalez v. Raich (2005)

The Court held that personal marijuana growth was related to interstate commerce and therefore Congress had the authority to ban it under the Commerce Clause regardless of legality in-state.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Struck down state bans on same sex marriage. The 14th Amendment requires States to license a marriage between two people of the same sex. States must recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-State.