What is section 4B?

Asked by: Ryleigh Frami  |  Last update: June 27, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (48 votes)

Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 contained the coverage formula that determined which states and political subdivisions were subject to Section 5 "preclearance" for changes to voting laws. The Supreme Court ruled this section unconstitutional in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), stating the formula was outdated.

Why was section 4B unconstitutional?

The Court held that Section 4(b) exceeded Congress' power to enforce the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, reasoning that the coverage formula conflicts with the constitutional principles of federalism and "equal sovereignty of the states" because the disparate treatment of the states is "based on 40-year-old facts ...

What are the examples in section 4?

Section 4 – The Meaning

For example, the state legislature determines scheduling of an election, how voters may register and where they may cast their ballots. Congress has the right to change state rules and provide national protection for the right to vote.

What does article 4 section 4 mean in the constitution?

Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution (the "Guarantee Clause") mandates that the federal government ensures every state maintains a representative, republican government (rather than a monarchy or dictatorship). It also obligates the U.S. to protect states against foreign invasion and domestic violence/insurrection.

What is Section 4B of the Crimes Act 1914?

Note: Section 4B of the Crimes Act 1914 enables a fine to be imposed for offences that only specify imprisonment as a penalty.

What is Section 4 of the 14th Amendment?

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Why are there exceptions to the Fourth Amendment?

The Exigent Circumstances Exception

Law enforcement often responds to emergencies that may threaten public safety. In such situations, it is impractical to submit a warrant application where the delay could lead to substantial bodily harm, death, or destruction of evidence.

Who signed the Voting Rights Act?

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law on August 6, 1965. The signing ceremony took place in the President's Room at the U.S. Capitol, with key civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in attendance.

Who can declare a president incompetent?

Under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (or a body designated by Congress) can declare the President unable to perform their duties. This initiates a temporary transfer of power, which Congress can finalize by a two-thirds vote if the President contests it.

Is God mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?

No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention "God" or a deity. The document is intentionally secular, focusing on setting up a government based on the consent of the governed. The only reference to a higher power in the original text is a traditional dating formula at the end: "...in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven".

What is section 4 all about?

THE BILL OF RIGHTS Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. 1987 Philippine Constitution.

What is the most misspelled word in the U.S. Constitution?

"Pennsylvania" is often cited as the most famous misspelling in the U.S. Constitution. It is spelled with a single 'n' ("Pensylvania") above the signers' names, which was a common, alternative spelling in 1787, rather than a modern typo. Other non-standard spellings include "chuse" (choose) and "defence".

How does article 4 affect citizens' rights?

“The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.” The Constitution's privileges and immunities clause requires state governments to treat residents and nonresidents equally by giving them the same privileges and immunities.

What is Section 4B of the Crimes Act 1900?

"dishonest" means dishonest according to the standards of ordinary people and known by the defendant to be dishonest according to the standards of ordinary people. (2) In a prosecution for an offence, dishonesty is a matter for the trier of fact.

What is Section 4B of the Summary Offences Ordinance?

4B. If anything is dropped or allowed to fall from any building to the danger or injury of any person in or near a public place, the person who drops that thing or allows it to fall commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 3 and imprisonment for 6 months.

What is a section 4 crime?

Section 4 of the Public Order Act makes it an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or to distribute or display to someone any writing, sign or similar which is threatening, abusive or insulting, with the intent to make that person believe that immediate violence will be used against them ...