Federalism, State Sovereignty and the Constitution: Basis and Limits of Congressional Power
Abstract
The ratification of the Constitution, to a significant extent, defined the lines of authority between the state and federal governments. Over recent years, the Supreme Court has decided a number of cases which address this historical relationship. This report discusses state and federal legislative power generally and focuses on a number of these "federalism" cases. Issues addressed include congressional power under the Commerce Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment; constitutional limits on congressional powers, such as the Tenth Amendments; and state sovereign immunity under the Eleventh Amendment. The report does not, however, address the much larger policy issue of when it is appropriate - as opposed to constitutionality permissible - for federal powers to be exercised.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465453
Entities
People
- Kenneth R. Thomas
Organizations
- Library of Congress