United States v. Butler (1900)
- Docket
- 401
- Decided
- 1900-1940-
Summary
Question: Did Congress exceed its constitutional taxing and spending powers with the Act? Conclusion: In an opinion written by Justice Roberts, the majority declared the Act unconstitutional because it attempted to regulate and control agricultural production, an arena reserved to the states. Congress’ Spending Power (Article I, Section 8) is restricted to situations in which it is being used for the general welfare of the people. Agricultural production historically lies beyond the authority of the federal government to regulate. Although Congress does have the power to tax and appropriate funds, in this case those activities were "but means to an unconstitutional end.” That is, Congress was using the spending power as an enforcement mechanism to control activity that was completely within the authority of the states. Thus, the Act violated the Constitution. Justice Stone wrote a dissenting opinion and was joined by Justices Brandeis and Cardozo.