Federalism, States Sovereignty, and the Constitution: Basis and Limits of Congressional Power

摘要

The lines of authority between states and the federal government are, to a significant extent, defined by the United States Constitution and relevant case law. In recent years, however, the Supreme Court has decided a number of cases that would seem to reevaluate this historical relationship. This report discusses state and federal legislative power generally, focusing on a number of these federalism cases. The report does not, however, address the larger policy issue of when it is appropriate as opposed to constitutionally permissible to exercise federal powers.