118 U.S. 375 (1886)
United States v. Kagama is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1886 that solidified the federal government's plenary power over Indian affairs, particularly in criminal matters.
Did Congress have the constitutional authority to pass the Major Crimes Act, extending federal jurisdiction over certain crimes committed by Native Americans on Indian reservations?
The Supreme Court held that Congress has plenary authority over Indian affairs, which can be inferred from the Constitution's framework, despite the absence of a specific constitutional provision explicitly granting this power.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Major Crimes Act, affirming that Congress had the authority to enact the legislation, thereby validating the extension of federal jurisdiction over Native American lands for certain major crimes.
United States v. Kagama is significant because it established the foundation for the federal government's plenary power over Indian affairs. This decision marked a pivotal shift in the landscape of federal Indian law by affirming that Congress could legislate for the protection of Indian tribes and individuals, establishing a precedent used in subsequent cases impacting tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction. Kagama is an essential case for law students studying federalism, separation of powers, and the history of Indian law.