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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation the first constitution adopted by the United States. This failed due to little power to tax and a weak national government. Because of the little national control, it was more of a gain of state power. -
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Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia. This meeting was between leaders of the states and would ultimately show an increase in Federal power. -
10th Amendment
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This amendment allowed for an increase in state power, as it allowed fo unlisted powers to go to them. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
This case ruled that the state of Maryland had no power to tax the Federal Bank. This shows an increase in federal power, as the state is denied powers. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
This case determined that the commerce clause includes the power to regulate navigation. This shows an increase in federal power, because the Federal Government is grated the right of control over the states. -
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Civil War
This war was fought between the Confederacy and Union. Ultimately, the Union won. Because of the support for federal power by the Union, this is an increase in federal power. -
14th Amendment
This amendment to the United States Constitution prevents the states from restricting the basic rights of US citizens. This shows an increase in federal power. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This landmark case ruled that institutions were to be "separate but equal" based on race. The case shows an increase of federal power because it meant that the federal government could rule for the states on the subject of segregation. -
Pure Food and Drug Act
This banned mislabeled food and drugs in interest of public health and safety. Because of the federal regulation of this, it shows an increase in federal power. -
16th Amendment
Gives Congress the power to tax. This is an increase in Federal power because it allows the Federal government to have the power to regulate taxes. -
Gitlow v. New York
This case determined that the regulation of laws impeding the freedom of free speech were prohibited for states as well as congress. This supports Selective Incorporation, which states that states cannot enact laws that take away American's constitution rights. Because of the outcome of this case, it is a federal increase in power because the states now have the same regulation as the federal government. -
The New Deal
This was a program introduced by F. D. R. that was intended to help America get out of the Great Depression. The programs were aimed towards benefitting the Federal Government, so it shows a federal increase of power. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This case determined that a state's creation of separate black and white schools to be unconstitutional. This overrules a state's decision, so this is an increase in federal power. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Because of this final decision over state's decisions, it is an increase in federal power. -
Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States
This case determined that Congress could use the commerce clause to force private businesses to abide by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This breaks the state's power down so it is an increase in Federal power. -
Roe v. Wade
This case determined that the right to abortion must be balanced against the state's interests in regulating abortions. This shows an increase in the state's power, as it is given a priority decision. -
Election of Ronald Reagan
The election of Reagan was important in the way that he created a huge economic boom and helping to end the Cold War. The Reagan administration represented an increase in Federal power, as his enactments benefit the national government. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act prevents discrimination against disabled people in the workplace and in public locations. This regulation is nationwide, so it shows an increase in Federal power. -
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
This cases determined that a state can regulate abortion starting in the first trimester. This shows an increase in states power because it delegates the decision to the state. -
United States v. Lopez
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104th Congress
This congress helped build relationships with governors and contributed to devolution by distributing power to lower levels. The devolution allowed for an increase in state power. -
Printz v. United States
This case determined that certain provisions to the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act violated the tenth amendment and was thus found unconstitutional. -
September 11th, 2001
On this date, two places crashed piloted by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center. After this event, the Federal government placed many regulations to prevent this from happening again, so it represents an increase in federal power. -
No Child Left Behind
This act supported education based on set standards that all students had to meet in order for them to move on. In addition, this required student progress reports and qualified teachers. This represents a federal increase in power. -
Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare)
This requires that Americans are able to have access to healthcare if it is needed, and it be affordable. This represents in crease in federal power, because it creates a responsibility for the federal government.