Cases Flashcards
(111 cards)
What does Hamilton argue is necessary for the judiciary to protect the Constitution?
Judicial Independence
Hamilton argues that the judiciary must be independent to protect the Constitution and individual rights from legislative encroachments.
What power do courts have regarding laws and their constitutionality, according to Hamilton?
Judicial Review
Although the term isn’t explicitly used, Hamilton implies that courts have the power to review laws and determine their constitutionality.
What is the highest law of the land?
The Constitution
If a law conflicts with the Constitution, courts must follow the Constitution.
What must judges do if they encounter unconstitutional laws?
Strike down unconstitutional laws
Judges are duty-bound to uphold the intent of the framers.
Who established judicial review as a core function of the Supreme Court?
Chief Justice John Marshall
This was solidified in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
How does Hamilton describe the judiciary in terms of danger to political rights?
Least dangerous branch
Hamilton describes the judiciary as the ‘least dangerous’ branch because it lacks the power of the sword (executive) and the power of the purse (legislative).
What are the two types of power that the judiciary lacks?
- Force (executive power)
- Will (legislative power)
Judges can only exercise judgment, not will.
What is the purpose of lifetime tenure for judges?
To ensure independence from political pressures
Judges should not fear removal for making unpopular decisions.
What does the Necessary and Proper Clause allow Congress to do?
Make laws necessary and proper for executing its powers
Hamilton defined ‘necessary’ as synonymous with ‘needful’, ‘requisite’, ‘useful’, and ‘conductive’.
What were the two main issues in McCulloch v. Maryland?
- Is the bank constitutional?
- Can the state tax the bank?
The court ruled that the bank was constitutional under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
What does Marshall define as ‘convenient’ in McCulloch v. Maryland?
- Convenient
- Useful
- Essential
Marshall’s interpretation was part of the broader ruling in the case.
What did Gibbons v. Ogden establish about commerce?
Congress can regulate commerce among the states
This case provided the first major interpretations of commerce.
What was the central issue in Prigg v. Pennsylvania?
The constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Act
The case involved whether Pennsylvania could apply state law against a slave owner retrieving an escaped slave.
What does the Fugitive Slave Clause state?
No person held to service in one state escaping into another shall be discharged from such service
This clause is found in Article IV, Section 2.
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Dewitt regarding Congress’s power?
Congress’s authority under the Commerce Clause alone was insufficient
The court held that Congress could only interfere with internal trade when it was a necessary means for executing another power.
What was the outcome of Hepburn v. Griswold regarding paper currency?
Congress lacked the power to make paper currency legal tender
The court held that there was no express grant of legislative power to create paper legal tender.
What did Knox v. Lee conclude about the Legal Tender Act?
The Act was constitutional
The court found it necessary due to a shortage of gold and silver during the Civil War.
What was the ruling in United States v. EC Knight regarding Congress’s regulatory powers?
Congress could not regulate local manufacturing
The Supreme Court ruled that commerce involves the sale or movement of an item after it is manufactured.
What was established in Champion v. Ames regarding lottery tickets?
Lottery tickets are subject to regulation as commerce
The Supreme Court ruled that the transport of lottery tickets between states constitutes interstate commerce.
What was the Supreme Court’s conclusion in Hammer v. Dagenhart regarding child labor?
Congress cannot regulate child labor under the Commerce Clause
The law was seen as an attempt to regulate state police powers.
What did Schechter Poultry v. US determine about Congress’s regulatory power?
Congress lacked the power to regulate local activities
The court ruled that local transactions did not directly affect interstate commerce.
What principle did the Supreme Court establish in NLBR v. Jones Laughlin Steel Corp regarding labor relations?
Federal government can only regulate labor relations that burden interstate commerce
The ruling clarified the limits of federal power in regulating labor practices.
What is the Substantial Effects Test?
A legal standard that allows Congress to regulate local activities that have a substantial effect on interstate commerce
Which case established the Substantial Effects Test?
United States v. Darby (1941)