The Police Power
Learn about a state government’s police power as a source for state, as opposed to federal, public-health laws.
Transcript
States may protect the public’s health and safety through public-health laws. Examples of public-health laws include laws governing the licensing of medical professionals, limiting tobacco usage, and promoting motor-vehicle safety.
I. The State’s Police Power to Protect Public Health
What gives a state the authority to enact public-health laws? The United States Constitution gives the federal government specific powers. However, under the Tenth Amendment, all other powers go to the states,...
