U.S. v. Lopez is often discussed in the context of which broader governmental principle?

U.S. v. Lopez is primarily significant in the context of federalism because it directly addresses the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The case revolved around the interpretation of the Commerce Clause and whether Congress had the authority to enact a law (the Gun-Free School Zones Act) that prohibited the possession of firearms in school zones, arguing that such possession could affect interstate commerce.

The ruling in this case reinforced the concept of federalism by limiting the scope of Congress's powers, asserting that the federal government could not regulate activities that had no substantial effect on interstate commerce. This indicated a recognition of the states' powers and their authority to regulate local matters without undue interference from the federal government. Federalism emphasizes the division of power between national and state governments, and U.S. v. Lopez serves as a landmark case that illustrates this dynamic and the ongoing debate regarding the extent of federal authority versus states' rights.