Avery v. Midland County [1968]

390 U.S. 474 · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

State and Local Government Lawstate-and-local-government-lawState and Local Government LawOne person, one vote for local government

Issue

Whether the Equal Protection Clause requires equally populated districts for local government bodies exercising general governmental powers.

Held

Yes; the one-person, one-vote principle applies to local governments with general legislative authority.

Exam use

Summary

Whether the Equal Protection Clause requires equally populated districts for local government bodies exercising general governmental powers.

Facts

Issue

Whether the Equal Protection Clause requires equally populated districts for local government bodies exercising general governmental powers.

Held

Yes; the one-person, one-vote principle applies to local governments with general legislative authority.

Ratio Decidendi

For local government bodies performing general governmental functions, districts must be substantially equal in population under the Equal Protection Clause.

Reasoning

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

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Reference to Avery v. Midland County (390 U.S. 474) strengthens a State and Local Government Law answer because the case reflects the principle that For local government bodies performing general governmental functions, districts must be substantially equal in population under the Equal Protection Clause. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Whether the Equal Protection Clause requires equally populated districts for local government bodies exercising general governmental powers. The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Underlying Concepts

  • state-and-local-government-law
  • State and Local Government Law
  • One person, one vote for local government
  • case authority
  • exam application

Significance

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