True or False: Congress has exclusive power to regulate federal elections under the Elections Clause.

Question

Accepted Answer

False. While Congress has significant power under the Elections Clause, states have primary authority to regulate federal elections. The Elections Clause (Article I, Section 4) gives states authority to regulate the time, place and manner of elections, subject to Congress's power to "make or alter" those regulations. This creates shared authority—states act first, Congress can override. Presidents have no authority under this clause. Judge Chun ruled: "The Constitution assigns the states all authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of elections, subject only to the limitations by Congress." So Congress has override power, not exclusive power—states retain primary authority unless Congress acts.

True or False: Congress has exclusive power to regulate federal elections under the Elections Clause.

Explanation

Sources

Related Questions

PRINCIPLE

EXPLORE

RESOURCES