This activity focuses on the Supreme Court case Newberry v. United States (1921) and its impact on Congress’s power to regulate elections—especially party primaries—and campaign finance. Students will explore how the case raised important questions about government authority, political spending, and the role of primary elections in the democratic process. Using a real-life situation involving a Senate candidate who spent large amounts of money to win a primary, this case highlights how the legal system balances free speech, fair elections, and the limits of federal power. Students will learn how constitutional interpretation, campaign laws, and public opinion came together in a landmark decision in U.S. history.

Included in this resource:

Supreme Court Case Spotlight On: Newberry v. U.S. analysis with scaffolding questions
Answer key for teachers (suggested)

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