republic)
Systeminwhichcitizenschoosepeopletomakemostgovernmentdecisions,butces
Institutionsandprocesses
Complexdecisionmakingrules
Mechanismsforcontrol
Consensusonwhatisfair?
BasicsofGovernmentStructure
Generaltermisconstitutional,representativedemocracy(orconstitutional POLISCI104NotesLEC
16:01
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
LectureTheConstitution
September15,2011
WhatdoesthishavetodowithAmericanGovernment?
Processasawayofaggregatingindividualpreferen
retaincontrolovergovernmentthroughregulardecisions
Formallimitsongovernmentpower
Specifieddecisionrulesforresolvingdisputes
Otheroptions?
Otherwaysofdoingthis:
Puredemocracy:directpublicconsentrequiredforgovernmentaction
Parliamentarygovernment:electedlegislatureformsexecutivegovernment(with
orwithoutaconstitution)
Aristocracy/monarchy:powerexercisedbyfamiliallines,propertiedclasses.
Divineright
Totalitarianism:nolimitsongovernmentpower,controlbyforcealone
WhyThisSystem?
Considerrulesofpoliticalaction:purposive,historymatters,rulesmatter
Relationshiptopoliticalculture
Experienceandhistory
Expectationsaboutroleofgovernment
ConstructingaNewGovernment
Functionof
ColonialexperienceanddissatisfactionwithBritishcolonialrule(BostonTea
Partyledtomoreoppressiveacts)
Interestsatstake
Existinginstitutions(chieflycolonialgovernments)
Politicaltheoryandideology,viewsabouttheproperaimsofgovernment
Pragmatism
WhyRepresentativeDemocracy?
Framersdistrustedpopularwill
Ideathatbodypoliticisunqualifiedtoexercisejudgmentonmanymatters,so
weelectleaderswhodecidequestionsforus
Goal:refineandenlargethepublicviewsbypassingthemthroughthemedium
ofachosenbodyofcitizens(Madison)
TheDilemma
ThemajordifficultytheFramersfacedwashowtheycouldcreateagovernment
thathadenoughpowertotakeeffectiveactionwhennecessary,butwhichwould
notabuseitspowerandtrampleonimportantindividualfreedoms.
Inanygovernmentalsystem,thefirstthingamajoritymightdoisstrippolitical
minoritiesofallrightsandpowers
Notethisisexactlythefreedomandpowerproblem
Dilemma,continued
Theproblemisthatcontemporarypoliticaltheoryheldthatthiswasimpossible
Representativedemocracy(Republicanism)inevitablydegeneratedinto:
tyranny(concentrationofgovernmentpower),withmajorityortramplingminority
OR
Anarchyandchaos
TheOriginsoftheConstitution
NotthefirstUSGovernment;succeededtheArticlesofConfederation,which
wascreatedin1777
AttitudestowardgovernmentstronglyaffectedbyexperienceunderBritish
Colonialrule
Stablepoliticalsystemundercutbydiverginginterestsbetweencoloniesand
Britain
TheOriginsoftheConstitution
ObjectionstoBritishrulesetoutinDeclarationofindependence
Ideabehinddeclarationwasthatacitizenryhadtherighttodissolvea
governmentifitfeltthatthegovernmentoverit(aradicalideaatthetime),but
thatadecentrespecttotheopinionsofmankindrequiresthattheyshould
declarethecauseswhichimpelthemtoseparation
Averyradicalideaatthetime
ObjectionstoBritishRule
SetoutinDeclaration
Abrogatedpowerofrepresentativebodies
Imposingtaxeswithoutconsent
Deprivingcolonistsoftrialbyjury
Renderedmilitaryofindependentof,andsuperiorto,thecivilpower
WhentheDeclarationclosedwithwithafirmrelianceontheprotectionofDivine
Providence,wemutuallypledgetoeachotherourLives,ourFortunes,andour
sacredHonor
importantearlystatementofLockestheoryofnaturalrights
Citizensvs.subjects:peopledonotservethegovernment;governmentserves
thepeople
FromTheorytoPractice
TheseideasaboutgovernmentfoundtheirwayintotheConstitutioninthreeways
LimitedGovernment:writtenconstitution,formallimitsongovernmentpower
FederalGovernment:withpowerdividedbetweenthenationalandstate
governments
RepresentativeGovernment:withlegitimacyderivedfrompopularconsent
TheOriginsoftheConstitution
FirstDraftwastheArticlesofConfederation,establishedin1777
Articlescreatedanationalunicamerallegislaturewithlawmakingpower,with
eachstatehavingonevoteintheConfederateCongress
Noexecutivebranch:statesresponsibleforimplementinglaws
ProblemswithArticles
Nationalgovernmentwasweak;toomuchpowerretainedbythestates
Statesretainedsovereignty
Statescouldconducttheirownforeignrelations,currency,interstateaffairs
Nationalgovernmenthadnopowertocollectrevenues
Problemswithinterstatecommerce,uniformenforcementoflaws
The2ndFounding
MeetinginAnnapolisinFallof1786,resultedincallonCongresstosend
delegatestoPhiladelphiatoconsiderunspecifiedchangestotheArticles
Shaysrebellion(from1786toearly1787)crystallizedconcernsthatgovernment
wastooweak,wasvulnerabletoforeignthreatsandcouldnotprotectproperty
rightsorkeeppopuarpassionsincheck(amongotherthings)
Strengthenscallsforreform,providedkeyimpetusforconstitutionalconvention
thatconvenedinPhiladelphiainMay1787
WashingtononShaysRebellion
Iammortifiedbeyondexpressionthatinthemomentofouracknowledged
independenceweshouldbyourconductverifythepredictionsofour
transatlanticfoe,andrenderourselvesridiculousandcontemptibleintheeyesof
allEurope
Federalist15
WhyReadtheFederalistPapers?
Federalist15,contd:InsufficiencyofthePresentConfederationtoPreservethe
Union
Governmentimpliesthepowerofmakinglaws.Itisessentialtotheideaofa
law,thatitbeattendedwithasanction;or,inotherwords,apenaltyor
punishmentfordisobedience.Iftherebenopenaltyannexedtodisobedience,the
resolutionsorcommandswhichpretendtobelawswill,infact,amountto
nothingmorethanadviceorrecommendation.
Wemayindeedwithproprietybesaidtohavereachedalmostthelaststageof
nationalhumiliation.Thereisscarcelyanythingthatcanwoundtheprideor
degradethecharacterofanindependentnationwhichwedonotexperience
DraftingtheConstitution
Delegateswantedtostrengthennationalgovernment,butstillconcernedabout
tyranny
DraftingtheConstitution
Severalpivotaldecisionsthatresolveddeadlocks
First:GreatCompromiseandbalancinginterestsoflargestatesvs.small.
Notethislanguage:compromise,conveysthatfinaldecisionwasamiddle
groundbetweentwopositions
DraftingtheConstitution
Second:theThreeFifthsCompromise.
BasicStructure
ArticlesIIII,powersofdifferentbranches
legislature,executivejudicial
ArticleIV:statepowerswithrespecttoeachother;admissionofnewstates
ArticleVamendmentprocess
ArticleVIhonoringdebts;supremacyoffederallaw,oaths
ArticleVIIratification
4,384words
NotesLEC
16:01
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
LectureTheConstitution
September20,2011
ProblemswithArticles
Nationalgovernmentwasweak;toomuchpowerretainedbythestates
statesretainedsovereignty
statescouldconducttheirownforeignrelations,currency,interstateaffairs
nationalgovernmenthadnopowertocollectrevenues
problemswithinterstatecommerce,uniformenforcementoflaws
The2ndFounding
MeetinginAnnapolisinFallof1786,resultedincallonCongresstosenddelegatesto
PhiladelphiatoconsiderunspecifiedchangestotheArticles
Shaysrebellion(from1786toearly1787)crystallizedconcernsthatgovernmentwastoo
weak,wasvulnerabletoforeignthreatsandcouldnotprotectpropertyrightsorkeep
popuarpassionsincheck(amongotherthings)
Strengthenscallsforreform,providedkeyimpetusforconstitutionalconventionthat
convenedinPhiladelphiainMay1787
There,delegatesdecidedtoscrapArticlesanddraftentirelynewconstitution
Ironyisthattheyhadnoauthoritytodothis
WashingtononShaysRebellion
Iammortifiedbeyondexpressionthatinthemomentofouracknowledged
independenceweshouldbyourconductverifythepredictionsofourtransatlanticfoe,
andrenderourselvesridiculousandcontemptibleintheeyesofallEurope
Federalist15
NotesLEC
16:01
WhyReadtheFederalistPapers?
Motto:Torturingundergraduatesforover200years
Mostcomprehensivestatementofconstitutionsconstructionandthetheorybehindit
PublicinNewYorknewsoaoersbetweenOctober1787andAugust1788undera
pseudonym
Federalist15,contd:InsufficiencyofthePresentConfederationtoPreservetheUnion
Governmentimpliesthepowerofmakinglaws.Itisessentialtotheideaofalaw,thatit
beattendedwithasanction;or,inotherwords,apenaltyorpunishmentfor
disobedience.Iftherebenopenaltyannexedtodisobedience,theresolutionsor
commandswhichpretendtobelawswill,infact,amounttonothingmorethanadviceor
recommendation.governmentdoesnothavethepowertoenforceitslawseven
throughthethreatofforce,butunderthethreatofpunishment
Wemayindeedwithproprietybesaidtohavereachedalmostthelaststageofnational
humiliation.Thereisscarcelyanythingthatcanwoundtheprideordegradethe
characterofanindependentnationwhichwedonotexperience
DraftingtheConstitution
Delegateswantedtostrengthennationalgovernment,butstillconcernedabouttyranny
Mosteffortputinto:
Apportionmentandrepresentation:bigstatesvs.smallstates
Powersofnationalgovernment,andallocationamongdifferentbranches
Statepowervs.nationalpower
Internalchecksongovernmentpower
PragmatismandIdealism
Framershadanideaofwhattheywantedtoaccomplish,butfacedtheproblemof
obtainingconsentfromadiversesetofdelegates
NotesLEC
16:01
PopulationsrangedfromDE(59,000)toVirginia(748,000)andslaveholdingsranging
from0%ofpopulation(MA)to43%(SC)
Keydisagreementsinvolvedissuesofrepresentation,howslavesweretobecounted,
andthebalanceofpowerbetweenlargestatesandsmallstates
DraftingtheConstitution
Severalpivotaldecisionsthatresolveddeadlocks
First:GreatCompromiseandbalancinginterestsoflargestatesvs.small
Originalpurpose(Randolph)hadrepresentationafunctionofpopulationorrevenue
contribution
Smallerstatesobjected
Solution(CTCompromise):Bicamerallegislature.Housewouldhaveproportional
representation,senatewouldhave2fromeachstateregardlessofsize,approvedon5
4vote
Notethislanguage:compromise,conveysthatfinaldecisionwasamiddleground
betweentwopositions
DraftingtheConstitution
Second:theThreeFifthsCompromise
Howtohandletheissueofslaves?MajordivisionbetweenNorthernandSouthern
states.
South:slavesshouldcountinpopulationtotalsusedtosetrepresentationintheHouse
North:objected,JamesWilsonsaidifslavesarecitizensthentheyshouldbecounted.If
property,thenotherformsofpropertyshouldcountinsettingrepresentation
Solution:leaveissueunresolved,butcountslavesas3/5ofapersonforpurposesof
apportionmentintheHouse
NecessarytoretainsupportofSouthernstates
BasicStructure
NotesLEC
16:01
ArticlesIIII,powersofdifferentbranches
legislature,executive,judicial
ArticleIV:statepowerswithrespecttoeachother;admissionofnewstates
ArticleVamendmentprocess
ArticleVIhonoringdebts;supremacyoffederallaw,oaths
ArticleVIIratification
4,384words
Ratification
Oncedrafted,theConstitutionhadtobeputtothestatesforavote(9/13needed)
SharpdebatebetweenFederalistsandAntiFederalistsoverissuesofstatevs.national
power,representation,limitedgovernment
Antifederalistsopposedcentralizedgovernment,wantedstatestoretainmorepower
Problem:nounifiedsupportforanyalternativetoproposedconstitution
Keyantifederalists:PatrickHenry,RobertYates
Ratification,Continued
NotesLEC
16:01
AntiFederalistsalsoarguedthattheConstitutionfailedtoestablish limitson
governmentauthorityinsistedonabillofrights(whichtheFederalistsagreedto)
ConstitutionsenttostatesinSeptember1787;NinthstateratifiedinJune1788,butNew
YorkandVirginiadidntratifyuntilshortlyafter
NewgovernmentconvenedinMarch1789
Billofrightsadoptedin1791(1sttenconstitutionalamendments)
KeyInstitutionalInnovations
SeparationofPowers:divisionofgovernmentpowersintoseparateinstitutions
Moreproperly:multipleinstitutionssharingpowers
Horizontaldispersionofpower
Federalism:differentlevelsofgovernment(state,national)
Verticaldispersion
Thegreatsecurityagainstagradualconcentrationoftheseveralpowersinthesame
departmentconsistsingivingthosewhoadministereachdepartmentthenecessary
constitutionalmeansandpersonalmotivestoresistencroachmentsofothers...
Ambitionmustbemadetocounteractambition...Inframingagovernmentwhichisto
beadministeredbymenovermen,thegreatdifficultliesinthis:youmustfirstenable
thegovernmenttocontrolthegoverned;andinthenextplaceobligeittocontrolitself.
Madison,Federalist51
SeparationofPowers
designedtopreventconcentrationofpowerinanyonebranch/individual
Q&DDefinition
NotesLEC
Legislativepower:powertomakelaws(bindingrules)
ExecutivePower:powertoimplementandenforcelaws
JudicialPower
Separation,continued
Furthersubdivisions:Differentconstituencies,electoralcycles,selection
process
SeparationofPowers
Effectistoforcecompromiseandbargainingamongbranches
ContemporaryIssues
Noprecisedefinitionoflegislative,executive,judicialpowers
Lotsofoverlap:
16:01
NotesLEC
16:01
JudicialReview
Powertoinvalidateactsoflegislatureorexecutiveasinconsistentwith
Constitution
CitizensUnited
In2008,apoliticalorganization(CitizensUnited)wantedtopromoteamovie
calledHillary:TheMovie,whichwashighlycriticalofClinton
SupremeCourtCase
Existingcourtprecedentsheldthatcorporationscouldbeprohibitedfrom
spendingmoneyinelections(atleast2majorcases)
But:courtheldthat1stAmendmentmakesnodistinctionsaboutwhois
speaking,andthatitwasunconstitutionaltodenycorporationstherighttoengagein
electioneeringspeech
Overturnedprecedent,andprovokedlotsofcontroversy
Response?
Possibleresponses:
NotesLEC
16:01
Importance
Lawmakingandgoverningprocessdoesnthaveaneasilyidentifiableendpoint
Ongoingprocessofnegotiation,interbranchresponses,
Significantorradicalchangeisdifficult
Federalism
Furtherdivisionofpower
Divisionofpowerbetweennationalandstategovernments
Federalism
Powersexplicitlyreservedtonationalgov:
NotesLEC
16:01
Powersreservedtothestates:
Neitherstatenorthenationalgovernmentmay:violatetheBillofRights,etc.
InterstateCommerce
Strictlyspeaking,commercethatoccurscompletelywithinasinglestate isnot
subjecttofederaloversight,regulation,orcontrol
Evolution
Expansionoffederalpower,relativetostates
Bigjumps:1880s,1930s,60s70s
McCulloughv.Maryland
NotesLEC
16:01
1819SupremeCourtcase
ImportanceofCommerceClause
ChangingNotionsofFederalism
DualFederalism(17891930s)
Post1937Federalism
Increasedfederalgov.power(changinginterpretationsofcommerceclause)
NotesLEC
16:01
Creationofnewlinks
Reinterpretationofthecommerceclause(Lopez)
ContemporaryIssues
Conflictsbetweenstateandfederallaw
U.S.v.Lopez
In1990,CongresspassedtheGunsFreeSchoolsAct.Itbannedpossession
ofagunwithin1000feetofaschool,withcriminalpenalties
NotesLEC
16:01
U.S.v.Lopez,continued
In1992,aTexashighschoolstudentwasconvictedofviolatingthelaw
U.S.v.Lopez,concluded
U.S.v.Lopez,continued
TheActneitherregulatesacommercialactivitynorcontainsarequirementthat
thepossessionbeconnectedinanywaytointerstatecommerce.WeholdthattheAct
exceedstheauthorityofCongresstoregulateCommerce...Amongtheseveral
states.
CongressResponds
Moreandmore,Congressencouragesstatestogoalongwithfederal
mandatesbymakingfederalfundsconditionaloncompliance(grantsinaid)
ThesestringsallowCongresstoinfluencepoliciesinwhichitwouldotherwise
lackauthority
PS104NotesLEC
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
16:01
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
LectureSeparationofPowers/Federalism
September22,2011
CurrentEvents
Congressionalunpopularity
EndofDA/DT
Pennsylvaniaponderingchangestoitsprocessforallocatingelectoralcollegevotes
DontAsk,DontTell
Militaryofficiallybannedgaysintheservicein1916,butenforcementbeganduringWW
II
Solelyamatterofpresidentialdiscretion,underCommanderinchief
Clintonpromisedtoendthebanduringthe92campaign,butencounteredsomuch
oppositionthathehadtofallbacktoDA/DT,whichCongressenactedintolawin1993
Between1994and2010,approx.12,000peopledischargedduetosexualorientation
WhatWasDifferent?
Mostmilitaryleadershipsupportedtheendingtheban
Changingpublicattitudes
Lossesinfederalcourts
Noevidenceofanyadverseeffectsonmoraleorcombateffectiveness
LegislationispassedinDecember2010specifiedbanwouldstayuntilPres,SecDef,
andJCSChaircertifiedthatmilitaryreadinesswouldnotbeaffected,followedbya60
daywaitingperiod
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
ChangingElectoralCollege
48statesawardECvoteswinnertakeall
PAconsideringmovetoCDlevelallocations
Bigdealifthishappens
Pennsylvania
WTAallocationstendstomagnifypresidentialvictorymargins
21ElectoralCollegeVotes(willgoto20in2012)
VotedDemocraticineverypresidentialelectionsince1988
19CongressionalDistricts127GOP
Thismeansthatinfuturepresidentialelections,GOPECvoteswilllikelygofrom0to
1012;DemECvotesfrom20to68
KeyInstitutionalInnovations
SeparationofPowers:divisionofgovernmentpowersintoseparateinstitutions
Moreproperly:multipleinstitutionssharingpowers
Horizontaldispersionofpower
Federalismdifferentlevelsofgovernment(state,national)
Verticaldispersion
SeparationofPowers
Designedtopreventconcentrationofpowerinanyonebranch/individual
Separatedandoverlappingpowersamonginstitutions
PS104NotesLEC
Makesthegoverningprocessinsufficient
Furthersubdivisions:Differentconstituencies,electoralcycles,selectionprocess
Popularlyelectedhouse(2years)
Senatechosenbystatemechanism(6years)
Presidentchosenbyelites(electoralcollege,4years)
Effectistoforcecompromiseandbargainingamongbranches
AdditionalChecks
BicameralLegislature
DividedGovernment(20thcenturydev.)
Definition:
Legislative:Powertomakelaws(bindingrules)
ExecutivePower:powertoimplementandenforcelaws
Judicialpower:Interpretlaws
ContemporaryIssues:
Noprecisedefinitionoflegislative,executive,judicialpowers
Lotsofoverlap:
Executiverulemaking(regulations)andadministrativelaw
Congressionaldelegation
Judicialactivism
16:01
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Thegreatsecurityagainstagradualconcentrationoftheseveralpowersinthesame
departmentconsistsingivingthosewhoadministereachdepartmentthenecessary
constitutionalmeansandpersonalmotivestoresistencroachmentsofothers...
Ambitionmustbemadetocounteractambition...Inframingagovernmentwhichisto
beadministeredbymenovermen,thegreatdifficultliesinthis:youmustfirstenable
thegovernmenttocontrolthegoverned;andinthenextplaceobligeittocontrolitself.
Madison,Federalist51
JudicialReview
PowertoinvalidateactsoflegislatureorexecutiveasinconsistentwithConstitution
PowertoinvalidateactsoflegislatureorexecutiveasinconsistentwithConstitution
2002:Congresspassesmajorcampaignfinancereformlaw(BipartisanCampaign
ReformAct,orMcCainFeingold)
ManyRepublicanshopedthatBushwouldvetoit
Keyprovision:prohibitscorporationsfromspendingmoneyonelectionadswithin60
daysofgeneralelectionor30daysofprimaryelection
Intentwastocloseloopholethathadpermittedissueads
Appliedtobroadcastcablesatellitemedia
CitizensUnited
In2008,apoliticalorganization(CitizensUnited)wantedtopromoteamoviecalled
Hillary:TheMovie,whichwashighlycriticalofClinton
Groupswantedtomakeitavailableonpayperviewcable
SupremeCourtCase
Existingcourtprecedentsheldthatcorporationscouldbeprohibitedfromspending
moneyinelections(atleast2majorcases)
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
But:courtheldthat1stAmendmentmakesnodistinctionsaboutwhoisspeaking,and
thatitwasunconstitutionaltodenycorporationsandthatitwasunconstitutionaltodeny
corporationstherighttospeakoutandsavemoneybutifyoucannotconnectwithother
corporationsyoulose
Cantspendmoneyasagroupbutcanasanindividual
Overturnedprecedent,andprovokedlotsofcontroversy
Response?
Possibleresponses:
Amendconstitutiontoallowregulationofelectionspeech
Forcecorporationstonotifyallshareholdersofanyelectionexpenditures,andget
approvalfromshareholdersbeforemakingelectionexpenditures
Clarifylawtoprohibitforeignownedcorporationsfrommakingelectionexpenditures
RequireCEOstopersonallyappearinads(standbyyourrule)
Cantsimplyreenactthelaw
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
LectureSeparationofPowers/Federalism
September22,2011
CurrentEvents
GOPunhappinesswithcurrentcropofpotentialnominees
Compromiseoverfederalfunding,resolvingSenateHousedispute
ControversyoverFEMA
Neededmoneytorespondtorecentdisasters
House(GOP)wantedoffsettingcutsincertainotherprograms
Wranglingover$2.7billion
Resolvedbymovingeverythingintonextfiscalyear
Importance
Lawmakingandgoverningprocessdoesnthaveaneasilyidentifiableendpoint
Ongoingprocessofnegotiation,interbranchresponses,
Significantorradicalchangeisdifficult
Oneview:contemporarygovernmentisunabletorespondtocrises,andproduces
gridlock,evenwhenactionisnecessarytoprotectvitalsocietalinterests
Rejoinder:gridlockpreventsdangerousexpansionsofgovernmentpower,andrequires
strongandbroadconsensus
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Federalism
Furtherdivisionofpower
Separationofpowershorizontaldivision
Federalismverticaldivision
Madison(Federalist51):inacompoundrepublic...Thedifferentgovernmentswill
controleachother,atthesametimeeachwillbecontrolledbyitself.
Divisionofpowerbetweennationalandstategovernments
10thAmendment
LimitsonnationalpowerinConstitution
Federalism
Powersexplicitlyreservedtonationalgov:
Coinmoney
Conductforeignrelations,treaties,declarewar
Regulatecommerceamongseveralstates
Powersreservedtothestates:
Regulatecommercewithinasinglestate
Regulateelections
Establishlocalgovernments
Criminallaw
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Neitherstatenorthenationalgovernmentmay:violatetheBillofRights,etc.
InterstateCommerce
Strictlyspeaking,commercethatoccurscompletelywithinasinglestate isnotsubjectto
federaloversight,regulation,orcontrol
Evolution
Expansionoffederalpower,relativetostates
Bigjumps:1880s,1930s,60s70s
NationalizationofBillofRights
Interpretationofthecommerceclause
Cooperativefederalism
Federalfundsasacarrot/stick(grantsinaid)
Supremacyoffederallaw(McCulloughv.Maryland)
McCulloughv.Maryland
1819SupremeCourtcase
ImportanceofCommerceClause
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Article1,8:Congressshallhavethepowerto....regulateCommercewithforeign
nations,andamongtheseveralstates...
Implication:whatevercommercegoesonentirelywithinastateisundertheauthority
ofstategovernments,notCongress
Courtsinterpretedthisclausenarrowlyuntilthe1930s
ChangingNotionsofFederalism
DualFederalism(17891930s)
Dualsovereignty:stateshadsomeauthority,fedshadothers,andthetwoweremutually
exclusive
nullificationdoctrine,inwhichstatesoftenclaimedthathadthepowertonullifyfederal
laws(bigissuewithslavery)
Afterthecivilwar,nationalgovernmentbecamemorepowerful
Post1937Federalism
Increasedfederalgov.power(changinginterpretationsofcommerceclause)
Creationofnewlinks
Grantsinaid(subsidiestostategovernmentsforcertainfunctions)
Fundsoftentiedtospecificdecisionsbystategovernments
Blockgrantsgivestatesmoreflexibility
Reinterpretationofthecommerceclause(Lopez)
ContemporaryIssues
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Conflictsbetweenstateandfederallaw
Medicalmarijuana
Assistedsuicide
Whatsthedifferencebetweentheseissuesandstatesrightsissuesofthe1960s?
Gaymarriage
Ifonestateallowsgaymarriage,dootherstateshavetohonorthat?
U.S.v.Lopez
In1990,CongresspassedtheGunsFreeSchoolsAct.Itbannedpossessionofagun
within1000feetofaschool,withcriminalpenalties
Whatwastheconstitutionalauthorityforthislaw?
Connectionbetweenviolenceandschools,education,andinterstatecongress
U.S.v.Lopez
,continued
In1992,aTexashighschoolstudentwasconvictedofviolatingthelaw
Hechallengedtheconstitutionalityofthelaw
TheSupremeCourtagreed
U.S.v.Lopez
,concluded
Thefirsttimein60yearstheCourtoverturnedafederalregulationconcerningprivate
activityonfederalismgrounds
Asignificantbreakwithprecedent
Likelytoleadtootherchallengesoffederal,regulation:environment,workplace,etc
TheActneitherregulatesacommercialactivitynorcontainsarequirementthatthe
possessionbeconnectedinanywaytointerstatecommerce.WeholdthattheAct
exceedstheauthorityofCongresstoregulateCommerce....Amongtheseveralstates.
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
NewFederalism?
Lopezwasfirstofseveraldecisionsthatenhancedstatepowersorchecked
congressionallegislation
Buttherearelimitscourtupheldfederallawsagainstmedicalmarijuana(inthe
ControlledSubstancesAct),whichexistin14states
Holdingthatthisdoesaffectinterstatecommerce,thuspermittingcongressionalaction
DOJannouncedin2009thatitwouldnolongeremphasizeprosecutionsagainst
medicalmarijuanausers
CongressResponds
Moreandmore,Congressencouragesstatestogoalongwithfederalmandatesby
makingfederalfundsconditionaloncompliance(grantsinaid)
Education(TitleIX)
Welfare(priorto1996)
Highwayfunding(21yearolddrinkingage)
Medicaid,povertyprograms
ThesestringsallowCongresstoinfluencepoliciesinwhichitwouldotherwiselack
authority
Unfundedmandateswherecongressenactsnationalstandards,butdoesntprovide
funding(NoChildLeftBehind)
FederalismandConstitutionalRights
Question:DoestheBillofRightsapplytostategovernmentsaswellasthefederal
government?
FirstAmendment:Congressshallmakenolaw...abridgingthefreedomofspeech
LiteralinterpretationsuggeststhatthisprohibitionapplesonlytoCongress
Otheramendmentsrestrictgovernmentactionagainstpersons
DualCitizenship
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
InitialanswerfromSupremeCourt:NO
Barronv.Baltimore(1833),theSupremeCourtrulesthattheBillofRightsdoesnot
applytostates
DualCitizenshipdoctrine
StateswerefreetoviolaterestrictionsinBillofRights(slavery,forexample),although
manyhadsimilarprovisionsintheirstateconstitutions
Importanceofthe14thAmendment
Singlenationalcitizenship:nationalizestheBillofRights(thiswastheclearintentofthe
authors)
SupremeCourtdidnotbeginapplyingthisstandarduntiltheendofthe19thcentury,
wellaftertheamendmentwasadopted
Processcontinuedwellintothe1960sand19
70s
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
LectureCivilRightsandCivilLiberties
September29,2011
The14thAmendment
AllpersonsbornornaturalizedintheUnitedStates...ArecitizensoftheUnitedStates
andoftheStatewheretheyreside.Nostateshallmakeorenforceanylawwhichshall
abridgetheprivilegesorimmunitiesofcitizensoftheUnitedStates,norshallanyState
depriveanypersonoflife,liberty,orpropertywithoutdueprocessoflaw,nordenyto
anypersonwithinitsjurisdictiontheequalprotectionofthelaws.
14thAmendment,cont.
nostate...languagemakesclearthatBillofRightsshouldapplytostategovernments
still,itisntimmediatelyapparentwhatprivilegesandimmunitiesmeans
equalprotectionofthelawsraisedsomequestions
intentwastoapplytorace,butalsoseenasvehicleforwomensequalrights
appliestoallpersons,meaningnoncitizensaswell
EqualProtection
Readliterally,languagesuggeststhatgovernmentsmusttreatpeoplecompletely
equallyineverycircumstance
Untenablereading:
Statesengageinmanytypesofclassificationsanddiscriminations(contracts,driving,
drinking,licensing,residency)
But,alsosomelimitsonwhatsortsofclassificationsstatescanuse
Wayout:
PS104NotesLEC
16:01
Someclassificationsinherentlysuspect(Race)
Otherclassificationsbalancedagainstgovernmentalinterests(strictscrutiny,rational
basis)
Progressionof14thAmendment
Initialcourtdecisionsdidnotenforceequalprotectionlanguage
CivilRightsCases(1883):14thAmendmentdoesnotapplytoprivateentities
Plessyv.Furguson(1896)
separatebutequalingovernmentaction(statelawthatrequiredsegregatedfacilities)
14thamendmentnotviolatedwhenfacilitiesareseparatedbyrace,aslongastheywere
equal
OverturnedbyBrownv.BoardofEducation(1954):schoolsmustbedesegregatedwith
alldeliberatespeed)
CivilRightsandLiberties
Identifyingboundarybetweenindividualautonomy/libertyandlegitimategovernment
control
CivilLibertiesprotectionagainstgovernmentaction
CivilRightsprotectionagainstunequaltreatmentbyprivateactors
ofteninvolveissuesof
Privacy
Freedomofconscience/speech
Governmentclassifications
Balancingdifferentrights
Clarityoftherulesanddistinctions
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GovernmentandIndividualRights
Returntoquestionofhowtostrikeabalance:
Protectingindividualsfromgovernmentpower
Protectingindividualsfrominvidiousbehaviorbyothers
Keyareas:
Nationalsecurityandindividualrights
Civilrights
ImportanceofBillofRights
Providesspecificprotectionsagainstgovernmentaction,thoughinterpretationhas
changedovertime
1st:freedomofspeech,press,religion
Whatdoesnolawrespectingtheestablishmentofreligionmean?
Whatisareligion,andwhodecides?
4th:nounreasonablesearchesandseizures
5th:nodoublejeopardy;nopersoncanbecompelledtobeawitnessagainsthimself;
dueprocess;takingsclause
8thnocruelandunusualpunishmentsinflicted
Givenrisetocomplexjurisprudence(whichcontinuestoevolve)
CollectiveInterestsatStake
Security(antiterrorismpolicies)
Values:fairness,equality,redress
Welfare
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Whendotheseconflictwithindividualrightsandliberties?
TheRighttoPrivacy
Howfardoesgovernmentcontrolextend?
Griswoldv.Connecticut(1965):overturnedlawbanningtheuseofcontraceptivesand
instructionintheiruse
Decisionidentifiedaconstitutionalrighttoprivacy:azoneofindividualautonomyinto
whichthestatemaynotenter(eventhoughConstitutiondoesnotincludetheword
privacy)
Rightfoundbyinference:1stamendmentprotectionofassociationalrights,4 th
amendment,5thamendment
KeytoRoev.Wade
LimitsonTheRighttoPrivacy
Roev.Wade:balanceswomansrighttoprivacyagainstgovernmentsinterestin
protectingaviablefetus(statesallowedtorestrictmost3rdtrimesterabortions)
Statescanimposesomerestrictions,aslongastheydonotcreateanundueburden
Waitingperiods,informedconsentokay;spousalnotificationno
Privacy,Continued
In1986,CourtupheldGeorgialawcriminalizingsodomy( Bowersv.Hardwick)
Revisitedtheissuein2003,overrulingitsearlierdecision( Lawrencev.Texas)
Righttoprivacy(again)
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WhereistheBoundary?
Whatrestrictionsarewarranted?
Lawsagainstdruguse
motorcyclehelmetsandseatbelts
assistedsuicide
Doesgovernmenthavetherighttoregulateconductforpurelymoralreasons?
Oftenuseautilitarianharmtoothersrule
Butwhythatruleinsteadofothers?
FreeSpeech
FirstAmendmentprotectsyourrighttospeak:Congressshallmakenolaw...abridging
thefreedomofspeech
Literalinterpretation:youcansayanything,anytime,withoutanythreatof
consequencesorgovernmentalcontrol
Yetthathasneverbeenabsolute.Manykindsofspeechregulated
Evolution
SeditionAct(1798)
writing,printing,utteringorpublishinganyfalse,scandalousandmaliciouswritingor
writingsagainstthegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,oreitherhouseoftheCongressof
theUnitedStates,orthePresidentoftheUnitedStates,withintenttodefamethesaid
government,oreitherhouseofthesaidCongress,orthesaidPresident,ortobring
them,oreitherofthem,intocontemptordisrepute
Violationscouldresultin2yearprisonterm
SpecifiedthatitwouldonlybeineffectuntilMarch3,1801
JudicialReviewhadnotbeenestablishedyet(Marburyv.Madison,1803)
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Early20thCentury
Evolutionofdoctrinesmoreprotectiveofspeech
1917:convictionsforurgingdraftresisting
FreeSpeech,contiuned
Certaincategoriesofspeechhavenoconstitutionalprotection:
libelandslander
copyrightinfringement
obscenity
directinducementtoimminentunlawfulconduct
Perjury
Certaincategorieshavelessthanfullprotection:commercialspeech,broadcastspeech,
speechbymembersofthemilitary
Holmes:freespeechdoesnotprotectamanfalselyshoutingfireinatheaterand
causingapanic
How?
Conceptoffreedomofspeechisnotreadliterally,butratherasa concept
Whatistheproblemwithaliteralinterpretation?
Attimes,theexerciseoffreespeechcanconflictwithotherconstitutionalorstatutory
rights,orcausesubstantialsocialharm
ConceptualFreeSpeech
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conceptualviewcomplicates1stAmendmentinterpretation
Shoulditapplyonlytopoliticalspeech?
Towhatpurpose:shouldweinterpretthe1stAmendmentasprotectingthefreeflowof
ideasasacheckongovernmentpower?
Wordsonly,orsymbolsandexpression?
Isthereadifferencebetweenpriorrestraint,andimmunityfromallconsequences?
Regulationvs.suppression
FreeSpeech,continued
Wherethegovernmenthasacompellinginterest,itmayimposenarrowrestrictionson
speech
restrictionsonchildpornography,basedonaninterestinpreventingthesexual
abuseofchildren
restrictionsoninducementstounlawfulconductbasedonaninterestinpreservingorder
timemannerandplaceregulation,aslongasitiscontentneutral
AffirmativeAction
Involvesgovernmentconsiderationofraceinprovisionofbenefits(hiring,contracts,
universityadmission)
Someapplicationtoprivateentities,throughnondiscriminationlaws
Racialclassificationsconsideredinherentlysuspect,subjecttostrictscrutiny
Compellinggovernmentalinterest
Narrowlytailored
Questions
Canapublicschoolmakehiringandfiringdecisionsbasedonapplicantsrace?
Canapublicuniversitytakeraceintoaccountinadmissionsandscholarshipdecisions?
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Canagovernmentsetasideacertainlevelofpubliccontractsforminorityowned
businesses?
Doesitdependonmotive?Compensationforpastdiscrimination,orpursuitofother
value?
Canagovernmentdrawlegislativedistrictstoincreasethechancesofelectinga
minorityrepresentative?
CourtDecisions
Basedoninterpretationof14thAmendment
Grutterv.Bollinger:UMlawschoolstudentclaimedhewasdeniedadmissionbecause
ofhisrace
Decision:
Diversestudentbodyisacompellingstateinterest
holisticdetermination,notmechanicalapplicationofrigidrulesorquotas
MoreRecentDecisions
ParentsInvolvedWithCommunitySchoolsv.SeattleSchoolDistrictNo.1 (2007)
districtassignedsomestudentstoschoolsbasedonrace,inordertogetabalance
NoprevioushistoryofdiscriminationinSeattle(remedyingpastdiscriminationisa
compellingstateinterestthatjustifiestakingraceintoaccount)
Held:violates14thAmendmentequalprotection(54)
Roberts:Thewaytostopdiscriminationonthebasisofraceistostopdiscriminatingon
thebasisofrace.
Breyer:thecourtandthenationwillcometoregretthedecision
ImplicationsforGrutter?
PS104NotesLEC
PoliticalScience104IntrotoAmericanGovernment
Lecture:thePresidency
October4,2011
EXAM10/13
Studyguidedistributedthisafternoon
Listtopics,readings,courtcasesyoushouldknow
Willcoverlecturethrough10/11
Examformat
3035multiplechoicequestions
34shortanswers
Prioritiesfortheexam
MaterialthatIgooverinlecture,andwhichisinthetextorreader
Materialcoveredinsection(EnduringDebatereadings)
Materialcoveredinlecture,butwhichdoesnotappearinthereadings
Materialthatappearsonlyinthereading
Currenteventsarefairgame
Examlogistics
Heldinthisroom1112:15onThursday,October13
ReviewsessionWed,10/12inSocialScience6210from79pm
ThePresidency
16:01
PS104NotesLEC
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Uniqueoffice
ExpectationsandRealitiesofpower
Formalvs.informalsourcesofpower
Constitutionalpowers
Informal/bargainingpowers
Unilateralexecutivepowers
Differentconceptionsofthepresidency,andtheevolutionofpresidentialpower
Question:Howpowerfulisthepresident?
ExpectationsandRealities
PublicexpectationsfarexceedthepowerofthePresident(orfederalgovernment)
Example:Presidentsandtheeconomy(popularitysufferswheneconomysuffers)
Crime,economy,environment,nationaldefense,foreignpolicy,budgets,taxes,
welfares,etc.
Presidentconstrainedbyseparationofpowers,butheldresponsible
FramersclearlyintendedthatCongresswouldbetheprimarybranchofgovernment
YetPresidenthasbecomemostpowerfulpoliticalofficeingovernment
EnergyintheExecutive
Fearincreatingpresidentasexecutivewasthatitwouldbeaprecursortoamonarchy
Hamilton,Federalist70isadefenseofastrongexecutive:energyanddispatch
necessaryforeffectivegovernment
Independent,unitary,singleexecutive
Hamilton
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EnergyintheExecutiveisaleadingcharacterinthedefinitionofgoodgovernment. It
isessentialtotheprotectionofthecommunityagainstforeignattacks;itisnotless
essentialtothesteadyadministrationofthelaws;totheprotectionofpropertyagainst
thoseirregularandhighhandedcombinationswhichsometimesinterrupttheordinary
courseofjustice;tthesecurityoflibertyagainsttheenterprisesandassaultsof
ambition,offaction,andofanarchy.
Federalist,No.70
FormalPresidentialPowers
ListedinArticleII:
TheexecutivepowershallbeinvestedinaPresidentoftheUnitedStates
CommanderinChief
Appointmentpowers(ambassadors,judges,executivebranchofficials)
takecarethatthelawsbefaithfullyexecuted
powertomaketreaties
Legislativepower:theVeto
Manyambiguities
EvolutionofPresidentialRole
Differenterasofpresidentialleadership:
Legislativeera(to1933)
NewDealera(post1933)
Demarcationisthestrengthofthepresidency,whichgrewsubstantiallywithFDRand
theNewDeal
Publicexpectationsofstrongaction,comprehensiveagenda,publicleadership
19thcentury:Presidentasclerk
Caretakerv.Steward
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WHTaft:thepresidentmayonlydowhattheconstitutionexplicitlyauthorizes
TR(andsuccessors):whatevertheconstitutiondoesnotprohibit,thepresidentmaydo
Allpresidentshaveincentivetopushthisenvelope
KeyfactorsinRiseofPresidency
Expansionofgovernmentpower(dontneedstrongpresidentwhengovernmentdoesnt
domuch)
1880
1933
Publicsideofpresidency:thebullypupit
Creationofinstitutionalpresidency
GrowthofPresidentialPower
FDR/NewDealchangeseverything
GrowthofPresidentialPower
RiseofInstitutionalPresidency
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Growth
Historicalpatternofincreasingpresidentialpower
UnilateralPoliciesandPowers
Combinationofconstitutionalambiguitiesandsingularity,givespresidentabilitytoact
first
Examples:
TheoryoftheUnitaryExecutive
Signingstatements
ExecutiveInterpretation
Canapresidentdeclarealawunconstitutional?
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Executivebranchhasitsowninterpretiverole:
ExecutiveInterpretation
WhathappensifCongresspassesalawthatpresidentthinksisunconstitutional?
DOJOpinion
ThePresidentmaydeclareinasigningstatementthataprovisionofthebillbeforehim
isflatlyunconstitutional,andthathewillrefusetoenforceit
AdvicegiventoClinton
BushonDetaineeTreatmentActin2005
SigningstatementonapprovalofDODemergencysupplemetallegislation(which
includedtheDetaineeTreatmentAct
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TheexecutivebranchshallconstrueTitleXinDivisionAoftheAct,relatingto
detainees,inamannerconsistentwiththeconstitutionalauthorityofthePresidentto
supervisetheunitaryexecutivebranchandasCommanderinChiefandconsistentwith
theconstitutionallimitationsonthejudicialpower,whichwillassistinachievingthe
sharedobjectiveoftheCongressandthePresident,evidencedinTitleX,ofprotecting
theAmericanpeoplefromfurtherterroristattacks....
Obamaexample
2009StateDepartmentAppropriationsActprohibitsU.S.officialsfromattendinganyUN
meetingchairedbycountrydesignatedassupportinginternationalterror
JusticeDepartment:thisprovisionunconstitutionallyinfringesonPresidentsauthorityto
conductnationsdiplomacyandforeignaffairs,andmaybeignored
PresidentialPopularity
Viewedascriticalresource,althoughitdoesntreallymakeallthatmuchdifference
WhatDifferenceDoesPopularityMake?
Conditionsthereactionsofotherpoliticalactors
presidentialunpopularitylowerscostofresistingpresidentialaction
Notdeterminative
PS104NotesLEC
PublicRelationsStrategies
Presidentsattempttoshapepublicdebate
Dotheywork?
DefiningPresidentialSuccess
Differentwaysofviewingthis
Howdopresidentsattempttoachieveit?
16:01