Supreme Court of the United States
Cook v. Gralike
February 28, 2001531 U.S. 510
Summary
The Court affirmed the Court of Appeals, holding that Missouri's Article VIII, which mandates pejorative ballot labels for candidates who do not pledge to support congressional term limits, violates the Constitution. The majority reasoned that the Elections Clause delegates limited procedural power to States, which does not include dictating electoral outcomes or favoring candidates based on political viewpoints. Justice Kennedy concurred emphasizing federalism; Justice Thomas concurred in the judgment; and Chief Justice Rehnquist concurred in the judgment on First Amendment grounds.