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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation gave more power to the states and established a weak Federal Government. The Federal Government had no power to enforce and many decisions were left up to the States. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention gave more power to the Federal Government to allow it to enforce laws by establishing three distinct branches, the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. This also took away power from the states. -
Necessary and Proper Clause
The Necessary and Proper Clause increased federal power by allowing Congress to create any law they deemed “Necessary and Proper.” This expansively gave the national government more power to make laws. -
10th Amendment
The 10th Amendment increased State power because it states that all powers not delegated to the national government and reserved for the states. This would greatly expand the amount of power given to the state governments. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
This court case increased federal power by not allowing the state of Maryland to impose a tax on the national bank. This protected the national bank and allows it to directly compete with state and local banks. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
This court case increased federal power by including the regulation of navigation as interstate commerce, which is a power held by Congress. This expanded upon one of the powers of the national government. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
This court case increased federal power because although an African American was a resident of a free state where slavery was prohibited, it did not guarantee freedom and citizenship. Thus, this state’s power was overruled by federal power. -
Civil War
The Civil War increased federal power because during the war, the national government was able to pass laws that would not pass before the war. During extreme times, like war, the people tend to give up more power to the federal government. -
Formation of Land-Grant Colleges
The formation of land-grant colleges increased state power because states were allowed to designate colleges and universities as “land-grant,” allowing it to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. Federal land, up to 30,000 acres, would be given to the state. -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment increased federal power because it limited the power of the states by prohibiting the states from making or enforcing any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. States must abide by this amendment and cannot violate it. -
Commerce Clause
The Commerce Clause gave more power to the Federal Government by allowing Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, amongst the states, and with Native American tribes. This took away power from the states. -
16th Amendment
The 16th Amendment increased federal power by giving Congress the ability to lay and collect taxes on income. Although different states would pay different percentages of taxes, that would not give them more benefits over another. -
Gitlow v. New York
Gitlow v. New York increased state power by establishing that the 14th Amendment expanded the provisions of the 1st Amendment to state governments. State governments the freedom of speech and the freedom of petition protected. -
The New Deal
The New Deal was an increase in federal power because President Franklin D. Roosevelt created a series of reformation measures using federal power. This increase in federal power was possible to do the effects of the Great Depression, as the people looked towards the government for help. -
Korematsu v. United States
This court case gave more power to the national government by declaring that the internment of Japanese Americans as constitutional. Although this was wrong, the federal government was able to do it regardless. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This court case was an increase in federal power because it declared state segregation laws as unconstitutional. This took away power from the states because the federal government now had power over these laws. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 increased federal power by illegalizing discrimination of any kind and by prohibiting unequal voting applications and segregation. This took away power from states because some states had laws that would no longer be allowed due to this act. -
Economic Opportunity Act of 1964
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 gave more power to the states by giving them the ability to establish Head Start Programs. The national government would provide the states with what they might need to establish these programs. -
Election of Ronald Reagan
The election of Ronald Reagan would increase state power because Reagan wanted New Federalism, which was a plan to give more power back to the states from the federal government. During his presidency, Reagan worked to increase state power and limit federal power. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibited discrimination based on disability which increased federal power. States that priorly discriminated, could no longer due to the federal government’s new act. -
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
This court case increased federal power by prohibiting states from banning most abortions. This took away power from the states because they would could no longer ban abortions and would have to follow the ruling. -
104th Congress
The 104th Congress consisted of a majority of Republicans arguing for devolution which is the delegation of power from the national government back to the states. This was an increase in state power. -
United States v. Lopez
The United States v. Lopez case took away power from the federal government and gave power to the states by deciding that Congress has exceeded its authority of the Commerce Clause. This limited the extent of the Commerce Clause, which limits the power of Congress. -
Printz v. United States
This court case increased state power by declaring the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act as unconstitutional because it violated the 10th Amendment. This meant that background checks when purchasing firearms is a decision for the state. -
Development of Department of Homeland Security
The Development of the Department of Homeland Security was an increase in federal power because it is a national organization. The development of this department was due to 9/11. People gave up more power to the national government for protection.
