What constitutional limit prevented Trump's Nov. 10, 2025, pardons from affecting the Georgia fake elector convictions?

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Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president power to "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." The phrase "Offences against the United States" means federal crimes only. In Ex parte Garland (1866), the Supreme Court confirmed this power extends to every federal offense known to law but doesn't reach state crimes. Georgia's fake elector charges came from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis under state law, not federal prosecutors. The 10 pardoned Georgia Republicans—including GOP Chair David Shafer and state Sen. Shawn Still—faced state convictions for submitting false Electoral College certificates. Trump's pardons had zero legal effect on these state convictions because the president lacks authority over state criminal justice systems. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not granted to the federal government to the states, including prosecuting state crimes. Georgia retained full authority to prosecute the fake electors until prosecutor Pete Skandalakis dismissed the charges Nov. 26, 2025—16 days after Trump's symbolic pardons. The federalism principle divides power between national and state governments, preventing presidential interference in state prosecutions. Each state operates its own clemency system for state crimes, with governors holding pardon power for state offenses. Trump's pardons eliminated federal consequences but couldn't touch state convictions.

What constitutional limit prevented Trump's Nov. 10, 2025, pardons from affecting the Georgia fake elector convictions?

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