Congressional Powers

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Facts: MD imposed tax on all banks not chartered by state; challenging national bank.

Holding: National bank constitutional under Necessary and Proper Clause;

Rule: Federal government possesses implied powers reasonably adapted to legitimate ends; state action cannot impede valid federal laws.

United States v. Butler (1936)

Facts: Agricultural Adjustment Act imposed processing tax on agricultural commodities to fund payments to farmers who reduced production.

Holding: AAA exceeded congressional authority; agricultural production regulation reserved to states.

Rule: Taxing and spending power separate from other enumerated powers but cannot coerce state action in areas reserved to states.

South Dakota v. Dole (1987)

Facts: Federal law withheld 5% of highway funds from states with drinking age below 21;

Holding: Spending condition constitutional.

Rule: Congress may attach conditions on federal funds if: clearly stated, related to federal interest, not barred by other provisions, not coercive.

Sabri v. United States (2004)

Facts: Real estate developer charged with bribing city councilor; challenged federal bribery statute requiring only that organization received federal funds.

Rule: Congress may criminalize conduct threatening federal funds integrity; no need for case-by-case connection between criminal conduct and federal dollars.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

Facts: Cherokee seeking injunction against GA laws divesting Cherokee of land rights; claimed jurisdiction under Article III provision for cases between state and foreign state.

Holding: Court lacked jurisdiction; Cherokee Nation not a foreign state under Constitution.

Rule: Indian tribes are "domestic dependent nations"; relationship to US resembles ward to guardian, not foreign nations.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Facts: Missionary convicted under Georgia law requiring non-Indians obtain license to reside on Cherokee territory

Holding: Georgia law unconstitutional; Cherokee Nation sovereign, state law preempted by federal authority.

Rule: Federal government holds exclusive authority over relations with Indian tribes; states cannot extend laws over Indian territory.

Adams v. Clinton (D.D.C. 2000)

Facts: DC residents sued claiming denial of congressional representation violated Constitution;

Rule: Article I's reference to "States" excludes District of Columbia; constitutional structure demonstrates framers' intent to deny representation to federal district.

Igartua De La Rosa v. United States (2000)

Facts: Puerto Rico residents sued claiming right to vote in presidential elections;

Rule: Only residents of states have right to vote for presidential electors; Constitution does not guarantee territories electoral representation without statehood.