Question

RFRA is not a proper exercise of Congress’ enforcement power because it contradicts vital principles necessary to maintain separation of powers and the federal-state balance. . . .
All told, RFRA is a considerable congressional intrusion into the States’ traditional prerogatives [rights] and general authority to regulate for the health and welfare of their citizens.
–Justice Kennedy
Opinion of the Court
Boerne v. Flores
Which statement explains why Justice Kennedy found the RFRA unconstitutional?
Responses

It violated separation of powers and intruded on states’ rights.
It violated separation of powers and intruded on states’ rights.

It upheld the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
It upheld the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

It was a state law that took power away from the federal government.
It was a state law that took power away from the federal government.

It violated the First Amendment and intruded on religious freedom.
It violated the First Amendment and intruded on religious freedom.

Answer 1

It violated separation of powers and intruded on states’ rights.

Justice Kennedy held that Congress exceeded its enforcement power under the 14th Amendment by imposing RFRA’s rules on the States, upsetting the federal-state balance and intruding on state prerogatives.