Deep Dive of Constitutional Law Lecture 2: Federalism and the Powers of the States

Law School

This is a lecture outline on US Constitutional Law focusing on federalism—the balance of power between the federal government and individual states. The lecture details the constitutional framework governing this relationship, emphasizing key clauses like the Supremacy Clause and the Commerce Clause. It explores landmark Supreme Court cases illustrating the evolution and application of these clauses, particularly concerning preemption (federal law overriding state law) and the limits of congressional power. Further, the lecture examines the Tenth and Eleventh Amendments, concerning state sovereignty and immunity from lawsuits, respectively, and the Dormant Commerce Clause, which restricts states from unduly burdening interstate commerce. Finally, the State Action Doctrine is introduced, clarifying when private actions are subject to constitutional review. The overall purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of federalism's complexities and its practical application in contemporary legal issues.