James Madison Lesson 4: Internal Improvements Balancing Act: Federal/State, Executive/Legislative

There was general agreement at the beginning of the 19th century that the U.S. would greatly benefit from some internal improvements of a national nature, such as a nationwide network of roads and canals. But how should the funds for such projects be raised? Who should be in control of the projects—that is, who should administer them?

Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

Did Congress’s decision in 2006 to reauthorize Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act exceeded its authority to regulate voting? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.

Smith v. Doe (2003)

Does Alaska’s Sex Offender Registration Act violate the Ex Post Facto Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.

Constitutional Index – Spending Clause

The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.

Constitutional Index – Borrowing Clause

The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.

Constitutional Index – Interstate Commerce Clause

The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.