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Graphic featuring text about the Supreme Court case South Dakota v. Dole, with an illustration of a gavel.
Text graphic featuring "Primary Source Close Read" and "South Dakota v. Dole Decision Excerpts" with a road background.
Text from an introductory essay titled "Federalism and the Constitution" by Ilya Somin, discussing government power.
Text document discussing the case South Dakota v. Dole (1987) and its implications on federalism.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases: South Dakota v Dole

5 items

Graphic featuring text about the Supreme Court case South Dakota v. Dole, with an illustration of a gavel.
South Dakota v. Dole | BRI’s Homework Help Series
Video

Video

7 Min

Why is the drinking age set at 21? This Homework Help video explores the dispute between states and the federal government over the legal age, and how it is an example of the principle of federalism in action.
7 Min
Text graphic featuring "Primary Source Close Read" and "South Dakota v. Dole Decision Excerpts" with a road background.
Reading Excerpts from South Dakota v. Dole | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI
Video

Video

25 Min

What authority does Congress have over spending? To accompany our South Dakota v. Dole Homework Help video, Mary and Josh explore decision excerpts from the case to fully understand the majority and dissenting opinions. Is it constitutional if Congress only gives states funding for highways if they set the minimum drinking age to 21? To what extent should Congress protect the welfare of society, and where should the line be drawn?
25 Min