Chief Justice Roberts's Paean to Equal State Sovereignty

In striking the coverage formula for the preclearance provision in the Voting Rights Act today, Chief Justice Roberts wrote a good three-plus pages on state sovereignty--and particularly the doctrine of "equal sovereignty."  According to the Chief, the coverage formula, which the majority held outdated, violated this principle.  More: He wrote that this principle applies beyond the admission of states to the Union; it applies here.  The Chief planted this time-bomb in Northwest Austin; it's now coming home to roost.

Here's part of what he said:

Not only do States retain sovereignty under the Constitution, there is also a "fundamental principle of equal sovereignty" among the States.  [Northwest Austin (citing United States v. Louisiana); Lessee of Pollard v. Hagan; Texas v. White.]  Over a hundred years ago, this Court explained that our Nation "was and is a union of States, equal in power, dignity and authority."  [Coyle v. Smith.]  Indeed, "the constitutional equality of the States is essential to the harmonious operation of the scheme upon which the Republic was organized."  Coyle concerned the admission of new States, and Katzenbach rejected the notion that the principle operated as a bar on differential treatment outside that context.  At the same time, as we made clear in Northwest Austin, the fundamental principle of equal sovereignty remains highly pertinent in assessing subsequent disparate treeatment of States.

SDS