On “Major Questions” and the Partisan Court

On its face, the “major questions” doctrine, pulled out of thin air by the Roberts Court, should apply to actions by administrations of both parties. In practice, that won’t happen. I anticipate you will see the following exceptions created in the next three years to protect the interests of Trump and the GOP:

  1. The doctrine only applies to actions taken by bureaucrats. Actions taken directly by the president are exempt;
  2. The doctrine is inapplicable to any action that touches in any way on war powers and foreign affairs; and
  3. The doctrine only applies when the government is attempting to extend its regulatory powers. Attempts to change the law by reducing regulatory burdens are exempt.