Elections clause

Elections Clause is a provision in the United States Constitution that grants states the power to regulate their own elections. However, it also allows Congress to alter those regulations or make its own.

Text

The Elections Clause is found in Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution and states:

"The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators."

Interpretation

The Supreme Court has interpreted the Elections Clause as a source of comprehensive authority for Congress to regulate the details of elections, including the power to regulate voter registration.

History

The Elections Clause was included in the Constitution to prevent states from undermining the representative nature of the federal government. The framers of the Constitution were concerned that states might refuse to hold elections for federal office, thereby denying the federal government the ability to function.

Impact

The Elections Clause has been used to uphold federal laws that regulate the times, places, and manner of elections for Senators and Representatives. This includes laws that regulate campaign finance, redistricting, and voter registration.

See also

• United States Constitution
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Voter registration in the United States
• Campaign finance in the United States
• Redistricting in the United States