Expansion of federal power

Definition

Expansion of federal power refers to the growth of the authority and responsibilities of the national government, often at the expense of state and local governments. This concept is significant in understanding how the federal government has increasingly asserted its influence over various aspects of governance, particularly in areas such as commerce, civil rights, and social welfare. One pivotal moment in this expansion was the establishment of judicial review, which allowed the Supreme Court to invalidate state laws and actions that conflict with federal authority or the Constitution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The landmark case Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
2. Judicial review has been a crucial mechanism for expanding federal power by enabling the national government to overrule state laws.
3. The expansion of federal power has often occurred through interpretations of the Constitution's necessary and proper clause, which allows Congress to create laws deemed necessary for executing its enumerated powers.
4. The New Deal era marked a significant expansion of federal authority, as Congress passed numerous laws aimed at economic recovery during the Great Depression.
5. Key Supreme Court cases, such as McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden, have further solidified federal power over states by confirming the national government's ability to regulate interstate commerce.

Review Questions

• How did Marbury v. Madison influence the balance of power between federal and state governments?
  • Marbury v. Madison was a landmark case that established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate state laws that contradict federal laws or the Constitution. This decision significantly influenced the balance of power by reinforcing federal authority and enabling a more centralized governance structure. As a result, it paved the way for an expansion of federal power, ensuring that national interests could prevail over conflicting state laws.
• In what ways did judicial review contribute to the growth of federal power during key historical periods?
  • Judicial review has been instrumental in growing federal power by allowing the Supreme Court to overturn state legislation that conflicts with federal statutes or constitutional principles. During significant historical periods like the New Deal, judicial review facilitated the enactment of broad federal programs aimed at economic recovery, which often faced resistance at the state level. By asserting its authority through judicial review, the Supreme Court helped legitimize expansive interpretations of federal powers over time.
• Evaluate how interpretations of the Constitution have evolved to support an expansion of federal power since Marbury v. Madison and its implications for American governance.
  • Since Marbury v. Madison, interpretations of the Constitution have shifted towards supporting a broader scope of federal power, particularly through the necessary and proper clause and commerce clause. The implications of this evolution are profound; they have allowed Congress to enact legislation covering a wide array of issues, such as healthcare and civil rights, which were previously dominated by states. This trend has led to an increasingly centralized government that can respond more effectively to national challenges, but it also raises questions about states' rights and local governance.

Related terms

Judicial Review:

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution and to invalidate laws that are found unconstitutional.

Federalism:

The division of powers between the national government and the state governments, where both levels have their own responsibilities and authorities.

Supremacy Clause: A clause in the U.S. Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict.