Powell v. McCormick
"Powell v. McCormick" is a landmark Supreme Court case that addressed the qualifications for membership in the United States Congress. The case arose when Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., an African American Congressman, was reelected but faced allegations of misusing congressional funds. The House of Representatives attempted to block his re-entry based on these allegations. In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court determined that Congress could not impose additional qualifications beyond those explicitly stated in the Constitution, which Powell satisfied. The Court also emphasized that expulsion from Congress requires a two-thirds vote, safeguarding against arbitrary removal of members. This decision reinforced the constitutional framework surrounding congressional membership and highlighted the importance of due process within legislative bodies. It ultimately affirmed the principle that elected officials cannot be denied their seats without proper justification and adherence to established constitutional standards. The case is significant not only for its legal implications but also for its role in the ongoing discourse around race and representation in American politics.
Powell v. McCormick
Date: June 16, 1969
Citation: 395 U.S. 486
Issue: Qualifications for Congress
Significance: The Supreme Court limited the power of Congress to expel its members.
African American politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., was reelected to his seat in the House of Representatives. However, because of some allegations regarding misuse of congressional funds based on some improperly filed expense reports, Congress sought to block him from taking his seat in Congress. The Supreme Court, by an 8-1 vote, ruled that the House of Representatives could not add to the constitutional qualifications of its members any criteria other than those set forth in the Constitution, all of which Powell met. Further, Congress could expel a member only by a two-thirds vote. Had Congress prevailed in this case, its members would have been able to circumvent the expulsion process in many cases.
