Tag: Election Desk explainer

Congressional Power Under the U.S. Constitution: What It Can and Cannot Do on Election Rules

Jan 21, 2026

—

by

Michael Phillips

in Constitutional Authority & Election Law, Election Law & Process, Explainers

The U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause grants Congress the power to regulate federal elections, allowing it to override state laws. However, this authority is balanced by constitutional limits and historical practices, with states primarily managing election administration. Proposed reforms face judicial scrutiny and must align with constitutional provisions, emphasizing a dual authority structure.