Constitutional Law Review

Flashcards covering key concepts and cases discussed in the constitutional law lecture.

What did Justice Jackson’s three-part analysis in Youngstown case determine about presidential power?

It establishes that presidential power is strongest when supported by Congress, uncertain if Congress is silent, and weakest when Congress opposes.

What is the significance of the case US v. Nixon regarding presidential privilege?

The court ruled that the president has a limited privilege to withhold information, but must balance that with the court's need for information in criminal cases.

What does the War Powers Resolution require from the president?

It requires the president to seek Congressional approval for military actions or withdraw troops after a set period unless Congress authorizes it.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It grants Congress the power to pass laws it deems necessary to execute its enumerated powers.

What was the outcome of the Comstock case regarding Congress's power?

The court upheld Congress's power to detain sexually dangerous prisoners after their sentence under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

How did the Lopez case change the interpretation of Congress's commerce power?

It established that Congress can only regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce.

What is the significance of the Dole case regarding conditional federal funding?

It allowed Congress to impose conditions on state funding as long as the conditions are clear and related to the purpose of the funding.

What constitutional power did the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate challenge?

It challenged whether Congress could require individuals to purchase health insurance under its commerce power.

How did the Supreme Court respond to the Medicaid expansion provisions in the Affordable Care Act?

The court ruled that Congress could not coerce states into expanding Medicaid by threatening to withhold existing funds.

What does the Tenth Amendment protect regarding the powers of states?

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

What are the three primary theories of Congress's power to regulate under the commerce clause?

Regulate channels of commerce, protect instrumentalities of commerce, and regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce.