Introduction to Constitutional Law I

A comprehensive collection of flashcards covering essential concepts, landmark cases, and principles in Constitutional Law I.

What was the primary issue in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission?

Whether the Elections Clause allows a state to place congressional redistricting in an entity other than "the Legislature."

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding the definition of "the Legislature" in the Elections Clause?

It means whatever body or combination of bodies a state constitution designates to exercise legislative power.

What is the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Established that Congress has implied powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing for the creation of a national bank.

What are the four eras of the Commerce Power established by the Supreme Court?

1. Gibbons v. Ogden Era; 2. The Lochner Era; 3. The New Deal Era; 4. The Modern Era.

What was the ruling in Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

The Court ruled that "Commerce" includes navigation and all forms of commercial intercourse, establishing federal control over interstate commerce.

What does the term "Lochner Era" refer to in constitutional law?

A period when the Supreme Court struck down many regulations on business as violations of the liberty of contract.

In Wickard v. Filburn (1942), what did the Court establish regarding intrastate activities?

Congress may regulate intrastate activities that, in the aggregate, have a substantial economic effect on interstate commerce.

What was the outcome of Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964)?

The Supreme Court upheld the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a valid exercise of Congress's power under the Commerce Clause to regulate racial discrimination.

How did the Supreme Court interpret the Necessary and Proper Clause in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The Court interpreted it as allowing Congress to use implied powers that are convenient and useful for carrying out its enumerated powers.

What precedent did the Court set in United States v. Lopez (1995)?

The Court ruled that possession of a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce.

What was the ruling in United States v. Morrison (2000) regarding the Violence Against Women Act?

The Court held that Congress had no authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate gender-motivated violence as the regulated conduct was not economic.

What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

It reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or to the people.

What principle was established in New York v. United States (1992)?

Congress may not commandeer state legislatures by requiring them to enact or administer a federal regulatory program.

What significant case involved the non-delegation doctrine?

A.L.A. Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States held that Congress cannot delegate its legislative authority to the executive branch without an intelligible principle.

What is the main idea behind the advisory opinion doctrine?

Federal courts cannot issue advisory opinions; only actual cases or controversies may be adjudicated.

What three criteria define standing in court?

1. Injury-in-fact; 2. Causation; 3. Redressability.

What does the term "ripeness" refer to in legal context?

Ripeness assesses whether a case is ready for litigation, considering if the relevant issues have matured sufficiently for a court to intervene.

What exception to mootness is illustrated by Roe v. Wade?

Cases that are capable of repetition, yet evading review—like abortion litigation—because pregnancy has a limited timeline.

What is the significance of Baker v. Carr (1962)?

It determined that redistricting issues are justiciable under the equal protection clause, challenging the notion of political questions.

What did the Court rule in Philadelphia v. New Jersey (1978)?

The Court ruled that a law discriminating against interstate commerce is unconstitutional.

What was the key rule established in Gundy v. United States regarding delegation of powers?

A valid delegation requires Congress to supply an intelligible principle that guides the delegatee's actions.

What is the focus of the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

It prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states in favor of their own citizens.

What was determined in Katzenbach v. Morgan (1966) about Congress's authority?

Congress can enact legislation to protect voting rights, even against state laws that may not be unconstitutional according to the courts.

What are the two parts of the standard for the political question doctrine as established in Baker v. Carr?

1. Textually demonstrable constitutional commitment to another branch; 2. Lack of judicially discoverable and manageable standards.

What balance does the Court apply in determining the constitutionality of regulations that burden interstate commerce?

A Pike balancing test weighs local benefits against the burden on interstate commerce; invalidates only if the burden is clearly excessive.

What was the court's holding in United States v. Nixon?

The President has a qualified privilege; this privilege yields to the judicial need for evidence in a criminal case.

What did Nixon v. Fitzgerald establish about presidential immunity?

The President has absolute immunity for actions taken within the outer perimeter of official responsibility.

What was ruled in Clinton v. Jones regarding presidential immunity?

A sitting President does not have immunity from civil suits for unofficial conduct occurring before taking office.

What did the ruling in Trump v. Vance establish about presidential immunity?

A sitting President is subject to state criminal subpoenas for non-privileged documents, emphasizing no absolute immunity.

What was the outcome of the Affordable Care Act case in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius?

The individual mandate was ruled unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause but upheld as a tax.

What are the implications of the Dormant Commerce Clause for state laws?

States cannot pass laws that discriminate against or unduly burden interstate commerce unless necessary to achieve a legitimate local purpose.

What principle did the Court emphasize in Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding executive power?

The Court stated that Congress may not insulate a principal officer from presidential removal at will.

Overall, what is the role of the Legislative Veto as ruled in INS v. Chadha?

The Legislative Veto is unconstitutional as it bypasses the bicameralism and presentment requirements of Article I.

What overarching principle does substantive due process protect in individual rights?

It safeguards fundamental rights from government interference without adequate justification.