History Chapter 4: Federalism Section 3

interstate compact:

an agreement made between two States or between a State and a foreign government

Full Faith and Credit Clause:

the clause of the Constitution that says that each State will respect the laws, records, and court decisions of other States

Why might a State be restricted from making distinctions between its residents and those of another State?

It could lead to prejudiced treatment of people from other states or recent residents who come from other states, which would lead to conflict and would violate the 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause. It could also cause conflict between States

Privileges and Immunities

No State can make unreasonable distinctions between its residents and residents of another State. Each State must recognize the right of any American to travel in or become a resident of that State. Citizens can also marry, buy, own, rent, or sell property, and use the courts in any State, no matter where they live.

Marriage and Divorce

Only the State in which a couple has established residency can grant them a divorce. Same-sex marriages are outlawed by the federal government and 41 States. However, several States allow legal same-sex marriages or civil unions. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) says that no State can be forced to recognize a same-sex marriage performed in another State. The constitutionality of DOMA has not yet been decided. Interracial marriage was illegal in many States until the Supreme Court ruled in 1958 that such laws were unconstitutional.

How do the States work together to preserve the Union?

State governments make interstate compacts. States offer full faith and credit to the laws, official records, and court rulings of other States. States extradite fugitives to other States. States respect the privileges and immunities of residents of other States.

Interstate Compacts

States can enter agreements with other States and with foreign governments with the consent of Congress. The number of these agreements has increased over time. There are interstate agreements to share law enforcement data, counter global climate change, encourage cooperation between public universities, and coordinate the conservation of water and wildlife. States also cooperate to manage shared resources and border areas. The States of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico meet at the "Four Corners."

Reasonable Distinctions by States

States can make reasonable distinctions between their residents and those of other States. People can be required to live in a State for certain period of time before they can vote, hold public office, or be licensed in certain professions. States can also charge higher fees to out-of-State hunters, fishers, or students attending a State's public universities.

Extradition

The Constitution states that people charged with a crime in one State who flee to another State must be extradited—returned to the State where they were originally charged. Typically a State governor asks another State governor to return any captured fugitives. Such requests are usually upheld. If extradition is challenged, the federal government can order a governor to extradite a fugitive.

The Full Faith and Credit Clause

The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution requires each State to honor and enforce the laws, official documents, and court rulings of other States. Documents issued in one State—such as birth certificates—must be accepted in all States.

two key exceptions to the Full Faith and Credit Clause:

There are two key exceptions to the Full Faith and Credit Clause: It applies only to the civil laws of each State, not the criminal laws. If a person who does not live in a State is granted a divorce by that State, the State in which that person actually resides can refuse to recognize the divorce.

Privileges and Immunities Clause:

the clause in the Constitution that says that no State can make unreasonable distinctions between its own residents and those persons who live in another State

extradition:

the legal process of returning a fugitive to a State