Constitutional Debate, Supreme Court Cases, Voting Rights Act, and Political Socialization

Constitutional Debate: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

The prompt requires developing an argument about whether the Federalists or Anti-Federalists had better ideas for founding a new government. The argument must use at least one piece of evidence from foundational documents like:

  • The Articles of Confederation
  • Brutus No. 1
  • Federalist No. 10
  • The U.S. Constitution

The response should include a defensible claim or thesis, support with at least two pieces of specific and relevant evidence (one from the listed documents and another from any foundational document or course knowledge), reasoning to explain the evidence, and a response to an opposing perspective through refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

Printz v. United States (1997)

This section discusses the Supreme Court case Printz v. United States (1997).

Background: The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act mandated that handgun purchasers pass a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). While the NICS was being developed, state and local law enforcement were required to provide information for the system. Sheriffs in Montana and Arizona sued, arguing they could not be forced to enact federal law.

Supreme Court Decision: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that state and local law enforcement could not be forced to conduct background checks on behalf of the federal government. The majority opinion stated that the federal government was overstepping its authority by commanding state and local law enforcement to act on its behalf.

Constitutional Basis: While the NICS and background check provisions weren't unconstitutional, the federal government couldn't require state and local authorities to carry out what was a federal responsibility.

Questions to Address:

  • A. Identify the constitutional provision used in both Printz v. United States (1997) and United States v. Lopez (1995) to support state authority.
  • B. Explain how the issues in Printz v. United States and U.S. v. Lopez fall under the category of States' rights, based on the provision identified in part A.
  • C. Describe one way federal lawmakers might coerce states into applying or enforcing federal law, even if the Supreme Court says the states cannot be forced to do so.

Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

This section focuses on the Supreme Court case Shelby County v. Holder (2013), which concerned the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965.

Background: The VRA eliminated literacy tests and other discriminatory practices that prevented racial minorities from voting. A key section prevented "eligible districts" (areas with a history of discrimination) from changing election laws without approval.

Supreme Court Decision: In Shelby County v. Holder (2013), the Supreme Court ruled that the VRA's formula for determining which areas needed pre-approval was unconstitutional because it was outdated.

Context: Congressman John Lewis emphasized that the VRA aimed to stop state-sponsored intimidation and unjust practices like literacy tests, poll taxes, and lynching.

Questions to Address:

  • A. Describe the judicial power exercised by the court in Shelby County v. Holder and why this power gives the Supreme Court the authority to take the action described.
  • B. Explain how the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder illustrates the concept of federalism.
  • C. Describe an action Congress could take as a result of John Lewis' statement and explain how it could affect the decision in Shelby County v. Holder.

Political Socialization and Teen Views

This section refers to a poll of 790 teenagers (ages 13-17) nationwide and their political views compared to their parents.

Data:

  • Bar graph data showing agreement/disagreement with parents' political views, broken down by race (White, Black, Hispanic).
  • Specific percentages are provided, such as the percentage of White teens who mostly disagree with their parents.

Questions to Address:

  • A. Describe the percentage of White teens who mostly disagree with their parents about politics.
  • B. Describe the difference between Black and Hispanic teens on whether they agree with their parents' political views.
  • C. Draw a conclusion to explain how political socialization affects that difference.
  • D. Explain how the methods used to gather the data in the bar graph reflect scientific polling practices.