Changes

jurisdiction of the federal courts.

jurisdiction of the federal courts.

Between 1789, when the federal court system was first established by [[Cogress]], and about 1870 this system lacked the power to hear cases arising under the [[U.S. Constitution]] and laws passed by [[Congress]].  Instead, state courts handled those disputes in addition to all other intrastate disputes.  Only around 1870 did [[Congress]] give "federal question" jurisdiction to the federal courts and begin to allow lawsuits in federal court against state and local government officials to recover money for alleged deprivation of federal rights.

Between 1789, when the federal court system was first established by [[Congress]], and about 1870 this system lacked the power to hear cases arising under the [[U.S. Constitution]] and laws passed by [[Congress]].  Instead, state courts handled those disputes in addition to all other intrastate disputes.  Only around 1870 did [[Congress]] give "federal question" jurisdiction to the federal courts and begin to allow lawsuits in federal court against state and local government officials to recover money for alleged deprivation of federal rights.

In 1976, a new [[conservative]] majority, including four Justices appointed by President [[Richard Nixon]] issued a 5-4 decision limiting federal power in favor of state sovereignty.<ref>http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0426_0833_ZS.html</ref>

In 1976, a new [[conservative]] majority, including four Justices appointed by President [[Richard Nixon]] issued a 5-4 decision limiting federal power in favor of state sovereignty.<ref>http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0426_0833_ZS.html</ref>