Which Supreme Court case promoted new federalism by limiting Congress's power and striking down a federal statute?

Which Supreme Court case promoted new federalism by limiting Congress's power and striking down a federal statute?

• A. Marbury v. Madison
• B. Brown v. Board of Education
• C. Citizens United v. FEC
• D. United States v. Lopez

Answer: (D)

This question tests understanding of federalism and the limits on Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause. United States v. Lopez is the key example: the Supreme Court held that Congress exceeded its authority when it passed the Gun-Free School Zones Act because carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce. By striking down that federal statute, the Court reinforced a shift toward new federalism, reasserting limits on federal regulation and preserving more authority for the states to govern local matters. Other cases address different issues—Marbury v. Madison established judicial review; Brown v. Board of Education addressed racial segregation and equal protection; Citizens United v. FEC concerns campaign finance and First Amendment rights. These do not illustrate the same move to curb federal power under the Commerce Clause, so United States v. Lopez best fits the idea of promoting new federalism through limiting Congress’s reach.

This question tests understanding of federalism and the limits on Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause. United States v. Lopez is the key example: the Supreme Court held that Congress exceeded its authority when it passed the Gun-Free School Zones Act because carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce. By striking down that federal statute, the Court reinforced a shift toward new federalism, reasserting limits on federal regulation and preserving more authority for the states to govern local matters.

Other cases address different issues—Marbury v. Madison established judicial review; Brown v. Board of Education addressed racial segregation and equal protection; Citizens United v. FEC concerns campaign finance and First Amendment rights. These do not illustrate the same move to curb federal power under the Commerce Clause, so United States v. Lopez best fits the idea of promoting new federalism through limiting Congress’s reach.