Heimler's History: United States v. Lopez (1995) Lecture Notes

Overview

• Supreme Court case: United States v. Lopez (1995)
• Required for AP Government curriculum
• Focuses on key aspects of federalism and the Commerce Clause

Facts of the Case

• Incident occurred in San Antonio, Texas
• Alfonso Lopez, a high school senior, brought a .38 caliber pistol to school
• Arrested under Texas state law prohibiting guns on school property
• State charges dropped, replaced by federal charges under the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990
• Lopez found guilty and sentenced to six months in prison

Constitutional Principle

• Initial appearance suggests a Second Amendment issue (guns)
• Actual focus is on the Commerce Clause (Article 1, Section 8)
• Congress has the power to regulate commerce among states, not directly legislate on gun control

Arguments Presented

United States (Federal Government)

• Guns in schools affect interstate commerce
• Gun violence could deter interstate travel and negatively affect commerce
• Poor school environments due to gun violence lead to less educated citizens, affecting economic activity

Lopez (Defense)

• Gun regulation on school property is a state power
• The connection between Commerce Clause and gun violence is tenuous
• Claim of federal overreach

Supreme Court Decision

• 5-4 decision in favor of Lopez
• Majority opinion:
  • Concern about lack of limitations on federal power if government arguments accepted
  • Fear of unlimited federal regulation power under the Commerce Clause

Significance

• Federalism: Emphasis on state power over federal power
• Contrasts with previous cases favoring federal power, like McCulloch v. Maryland
• Highlights the balance of power between state and federal governments

Additional Resources

• Review playlists and packets offered by Heimler for further study
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