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Constitutional Foundations

How our system of government was built

Created judicial review — courts can strike down unconstitutional laws

Federal law is supreme over state law; implied powers established

Federal government can regulate interstate commerce

Supreme Court can review state court decisions on federal questions

First time Supreme Court struck down a state law

Contracts are protected from state interference

Federal courts can review state criminal convictions

Led to the 11th Amendment on state sovereign immunity

Defined ex post facto laws and limits on retroactive legislation

First case examining federal taxing power