CON LAW 1

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court case that ruled Maryland could not tax a national bank, emphasizing the supremacy of federal over state law.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Supreme Court decision stating that Black people were not citizens and thus could not sue in federal court.

Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)

Court ruling that struck down a federal law banning child labor, citing states' rights under the 10th Amendment.

New York v. U.S. (1992)

Supreme Court case ruling against a Take Title clause that forced states into compliance with federal law.

Printz v. U.S. (1997)

Ruling that it is unconstitutional to require state law enforcement to conduct background checks as mandated by the Brady Bill.

Crosby v. National Foreign Trade Council (2000)

Supreme Court case stating state law can be preempted by federal law even if the state acts first.

Arizona v. U.S. (2012)

The ruling that federal law trumps state immigration laws, clarifying instances when states cannot act.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Supreme Court case that clarified the definition of commerce and upheld federal control over interstate commerce.

U.S. v. EC Knight Co. (1895)

Court ruling that manufacturing is not considered commerce under the Commerce Clause.

Wickard v. Filburn (1942)

Supreme Court ruling that expanded the federal government’s power to regulate economic activities based on their aggregate effect.

Lochner v. New York (1905)

Court case ruling that a New York law limiting bakers' working hours violated the right to contract.

Takings Clause

Part of the Fifth Amendment that states private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992)

Supreme Court ruling that a law prohibiting development on a parcel of land constitutes a taking when it makes the land economically useless.

Kelo v. City of New London (2005)

Supreme Court case allowing for the use of eminent domain to take private property for economic development.

Adkins v. Children’s Hospital (1923)

Court struck down a minimum wage law for women, ruling it violated the right to contract.

West Coast Hotel v. Parrish (1937)

Case that upheld a state minimum wage law for women, reversing Adkins.

First Lutheran Church of Glendale v. County of L.A. (1987)

Court decision stating that temporary takings still require just compensation.

Nollan v. California Coastal Commission (1987)

Ruling that conditions imposed on property permits must be related to legitimate state interests.