(2.3) SCOTUS FRQ: Baker v. Carr (1962) and Bush v. Gore (2000)

(2.3) Baker v. Carr (1962) and Bush v. Gore (2000)


The 2000 U.S. presidential election hinged on contested results in Florida, where irregularity in ballot counting led to a statewide recount. Different counties used varying methods to recount the ballots, raising concerns about fairness and consistency. The Bush campaign filed a lawsuit, claiming the lack of uniform standards for recounting violated constitutional principles. In Bush v. Gore, the Supreme Court halted the recount, determining that the inconsistent counting methods could not ensure a fair election outcome.

Identify the common constitutional principle in both Baker v. Carr and Bush v. Gore.

Explain how the facts in Baker v. Carr and Bush v. Gore led to the Court's ruling in both cases.

Describe one way the federal government could standardize election procedures following the decision in Bush v. Gore to ensure fairness in future elections.