city rome argued october decided april appellant city rome made certain changes electoral system including provisions majority rather plurality vote nine members city commission three numbered posts within three reduced nine wards staggered terms commissioners members board education ward requirement members board reside wards elected addition city made annexations november february section voting rights act act requires preclearance attorney general district district columbia change standard practice procedure respect voting made november jurisdictions fall within coverage formula set forth act section provides attorney general may clear voting practice purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color georgia designated covered jurisdiction municipalities state accordingly must comply preclearance procedure eventually first failed rome submitted annexations electoral changes preclearance attorney general declined preclear electoral changes concluding city rome population predominately white racial bloc voting common electoral changes deprive negro voters opportunity elect candidate choice attorney general also refused preclear annexations finding city carried burden proving disapproved annexations dilute negro vote subsequently however response city motion reconsideration attorney general agreed preclear annexations board education elections still refused preclear city commission elections city two officials filed declaratory judgment action district district columbia seeking relief act based variety claims rejected city arguments granted summary judgment defendants finding disapproved electoral changes annexations made discriminatory purpose discriminatory effect refused allow city bail act coverage pursuant allows covered jurisdiction escape preclearance requirement bringing declaratory judgment action proving test device used jurisdiction years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color held city may use bailout procedure terms issue depends whether city either state respect determinations made political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit city fails meet definition either term since coverage formula never applied city comes within act part covered state hence bailout action exempt city must filed seek exempt state moreover legislative history precludes arguments bailout procedure made available covered state also implicitly made available political units state pp period attorney general regulation requiring requests reconsideration refusal preclear electoral changes decided within days receipt commences anew submitting jurisdiction deems initial submission reconsideration motion inadequate decides supplement thus city less days prior attorney general decision city reconsideration motion submitted accord affidavits supplement motion attorney general response timely contrary ruling period ran continuously date initial submission reconsideration motion mean attorney general cases unable give adequate consideration materials submitted piecemeal fashion might able respond denying reconsideration motion pp describing elements discriminatory purpose effect conjunctive congress plainly intended voting practice precleared unless discriminatory purpose effect absent furthermore congress recognized extended act another seven years pp act exceed congress power enforce fifteenth amendment amendment congress may prohibit practices violate amendment long prohibitions attacking racial discrimination voting appropriate act ban electoral changes discriminatory effect appropriate method promoting fifteenth amendment purposes even assumed prohibits intentional discrimination voting south carolina katzenbach congress rationally concluded electoral changes jurisdictions demonstrable history intentional racial discrimination voting create risk purposeful discrimination proper prohibit changes discriminatory impact pp act violate principles federalism principles federalism might otherwise obstacle congressional authority necessarily overridden power enforce civil war amendments appropriate legislation fitzpatrick bitzer amendments specifically designed expansion federal power intrusion state sovereignty accordingly congress authority regulate state local voting provisions act pp merit appellants contention act preclearance requirement outlived usefulness congress extended act another seven years view congress considered determination least another seven years statutory remedies necessary counter perpetuation years pervasive voting discrimination extension act plainly constitutional method enforcing fifteenth amendment pp merit individual appellants argument elections held appellant city since first fifth ninth tenth amendment rights private citizens city abridged circumstances upon attorney general refusal preclear electoral changes city conducted elections prior electoral scheme city failure hold elections attributed officials operation act pp district findings city failed prove electoral changes annexations disapproved attorney general discriminatory effect clearly erroneous pp marshall delivered opinion burger brennan white blackmun stevens joined blackmun post stevens post filed concurring opinions powell filed dissenting opinion post rehnquist filed dissenting opinion stewart joined post robert brinson argued cause appellants briefs william sumner joseph dorn deputy solicitor general wallace argued cause appellees brief solicitor general mccree assistant attorney general days elinor hadley stillman brian landsberg walter barnett mildred matesich mark gross briefs amici curiae urging reversal filed summer attorney general jerris leonard state mississippi ronald zumbrun john findley raymond momboisse pacific legal foundation justice marshall delivered opinion issue case constitutionality voting rights act applicability electoral changes annexations made city rome ga declaratory judgment action brought appellant city rome municipality northwestern georgia voting rights act stat amended et seq city population racial composition white negro population white negro governmental structure city established charter enacted general assembly georgia amendments issue case rome city charter provided city commission board education elected concurrently basis plurality vote city divided nine wards one city commissioner ward chosen citywide election residency requirement board education candidates general assembly georgia passed several laws local application extensively amended electoral provisions city charter enactments altered rome electoral scheme following ways number wards reduced nine three nine commissioners henceforth elected one three numbered posts established within ward commissioner elected majority rather plurality vote candidate particular position received majority runoff election held two candidates received largest number votes terms three commissioners ward staggered board education expanded five six members board member elected large majority vote one two numbered posts created three wards runoff procedures identical applicable city commission elections board members required reside wards elected terms two members ward staggered section voting rights act requires preclearance attorney general district district columbia change standard practice procedure respect voting made november jurisdictions fall within coverage formula set forth act attorney general designated georgia covered jurisdiction act fed reg municipalities state must therefore comply preclearance procedure board commissioners sheffield disputed changes rome electoral system within purview act allen state board elections nonetheless city failed seek preclearance addition city seek preclearance annexations made november february even though required annexation constitutes change standard practice procedure respect voting act perkins matthews june city submit one annexation attorney general preclearance attorney general discovered annexations occurred response inquiries city submitted annexations electoral changes preclearance attorney general declined preclear provisions majority vote numbered posts staggered terms city commission board education elections well residency requirement board elections concluded city rome population predominately white racial bloc voting common electoral changes deprive negro voters opportunity elect candidate choice attorney general also refused preclear annexations question found disapproved annexations either contained predominately white populations significant size near predominately white areas zoned residential subdivision development considering factors light rome electoral scheme history racial bloc voting determined city carried burden proving annexations dilute negro vote response city motion reconsideration attorney general agreed clear annexations school board elections reasoned disapproval voting changes resurrected electoral scheme revivified scheme passed muster act time refused clear annexations city commission elections view residency requirement city commission contained electoral procedures discriminatory effect city two officials filed action seeking relief act based variety claims convened pursuant rejected city arguments granted summary judgment defendants supp dc noted probable jurisdiction affirm ii must first address appellants assertion two reasons may avoid reaching merits action appellants contend city may exempt coverage act evaluate argument must examine provisions act detail section act requires covered jurisdiction wishes enact standard practice procedure respect voting different force effect november must seek preclearance attorney general district district columbia stat amended section act stat amended provides preclearance requirement applicable state attorney general determined qualifies coverage formula political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit noted city rome comes within preclearance requirement political unit covered jurisdiction state georgia board commissioners sheffield section also provides however procedure exemption act bailout provision allows covered jurisdiction escape preclearance requirement bringing declaratory judgment action panel district district columbia proving test device used jurisdiction seventeen years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color district refused allow city bail act coverage holding political units covered jurisdiction independently bring bailout action agree terms issue turns whether city bailout purposes either state respect determinations made third sentence subsection section political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit determinations instance attorney general decision whether jurisdiction falls within coverage formula face statute city fails meet definition either term since coverage formula never applied rather city comes within act part covered state plain language statute appears bailout action exempt city must filed seek exempt state georgia appellants seek avoid conclusion relying decision board commissioners sheffield supra decision however even discuss bailout process sheffield held attorney general determines state falls within coverage formula political unit state must preclear new voting procedures regardless whether unit registers voters therefore otherwise come within act political subdivision holding necessarily determined scope geographic territorial thus entire state covered irrelevant whether political units might otherwise come political subdivisions sheffield hold cities rome political subdivisions thus decision case way inconsistent conclusion express statutory language city political subdivision purposes bailout sheffield suggest municipality covered state state purposes exemption procedure sheffield held based structure purposes act legislative history contemporaneous interpretation attorney general ambiguities resolved holding preclearance requirement electoral changes covered state reached changes made political units state see contrast case legislative history precludes argument bailout procedure made available covered state also implicitly made available political units state house committee report stated opportunity obtain exemption afforded subdivisions formula determined apply separate unit subdivisions within state covered formula afforded opportunity separate exemption also view entire state covered test device prohibition section must able lift prohibition part relieved requirements section pt appellants next argue electoral changes precleared allegedly tardy action attorney general may city asked attorney general reconsider refusal preclear electoral changes annexations july upon accord city submitted two additional affidavits attorney general denied motion reconsider august section act provides attorney general must interpose objections original submissions within days filing attorney general fails make timely objection voting practices submitted become fully enforceable regulation attorney general provided requests reconsideration shall also decided within days receipt cfr present case period reconsideration computed running continuously may date initial submission reconsideration motion period expired attorney general made august response contrast period measured july date city supplemented request attorney general response timely timing provisions act regulations silent effect supplements requests reconsideration agree attorney general purposes act implementing regulations furthered period provided cfr interpreted commence anew additional information supplied submitting jurisdiction accord logic georgia indicates government approach fully comports act regulations case examined regulation attorney general cfr provided mandatory period consideration original submissions tolled whenever attorney general finds necessary request additional information submitting jurisdiction regulation period commences anew jurisdiction question furnishes requested information attorney general upheld regulation holding wholly reasonable consistent act georgia stands proposition purposes act furthered information relevant submission placed attorney general attorney general accorded full period provided law make difficult complex decision follows submitting jurisdiction deems initial submission reconsideration motion inadequate decides supplement city rome present case period cfr commenced anew contrary ruling mean attorney general cases unable give adequate consideration materials submitted piecemeal fashion circumstances attorney general might able respond denying reconsideration motion result run counter purposes act regulations since penalize submitting jurisdictions legitimate reasons file supplementary materials iii appellants raise five issues law support contention act may properly applied electoral changes annexations disapproved attorney general district found disapproved electoral changes annexations made discriminatory purpose discriminatory effect appellants argue act may read prohibiting voting practices discriminatory effect appellants dispute plain language commands attorney general may clear practice purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color emphasis added describing elements discriminatory purpose effect conjunctive congress plainly intended voting practice precleared unless discriminatory purpose effect absent decisions consistently interpreted fashion beer city richmond georgia supra perkins matthews furthermore congress recognized act prohibited discriminatory purpose effect extended act another seven years pp hereinafter pp hereinafter appellants urge abandon settled interpretation view extent prohibits voting changes discriminatory effect unconstitutional statutory meaning congressional intent plain however required reject appellants suggestion engage saving construction avoid constitutional issues raise see nlrb catholic bishop chicago brennan dissenting instead turn constitutional contentions congress passed act authority accorded fifteenth amendment appellants contend act unconstitutional exceeds congress power enforce amendment claim amendment prohibits purposeful racial discrimination voting enforcing provision pursuant congress may prohibit voting practices lacking discriminatory intent even discriminatory effect hold even amendment prohibits purposeful discrimination prior decisions foreclose argument congress may pursuant outlaw voting practices discriminatory effect appellants asking us nothing less overrule decision south carolina katzenbach upheld constitutionality act case observed making extensive investigation congress determined earlier attempts remedy insidious pervasive evil racial discrimination voting failed unremitting ingenious defiance constitution parts country adjudication proved ponderous method remedy voting discrimination produced favorable results affected jurisdictions often merely switched discriminatory devices covered federal decrees response determination sterner elaborate measures necessary congress adopted act complex scheme stringent remedies aimed areas voting discrimination flagrant turned question whether fifteenth amendment empowered congress impose rigors act upon covered jurisdictions examined interplay judicial remedy created amendment legislative authority conferred adding authorization framers indicated congress chiefly responsible implementing rights created power congress enlarged congress authorized enforce prohibitions appropriate legislation legislation contemplated make civil war amendments fully effective ex parte virginia accordingly addition courts congress full remedial powers effectuate constitutional prohibition racial discrimination voting emphasis original whatever legislation appropriate adapted carry objects civil war amendments view whatever tends enforce submission prohibitions contain secure persons enjoyment perfect equality civil rights equal protection laws state denial invasion prohibited brought within domain congressional power ex parte virginia south carolina katzenbach supra treatment south carolina katzenbach act ban literacy tests demonstrates fifteenth amendment congress may prohibit voting practices discriminatory effect earlier held lassiter northampton county board elections use literacy test fair face employed discriminatory fashion violate fifteenth amendment upholding act per se ban tests south carolina katzenbach found reason overrule lassiter instead recognized prohibition appropriate method enforcing fifteenth amendment many years covered jurisdictions imposed tests effect voting discrimination continued use even nondiscriminatory fairly administered literacy tests freeze effect past discrimination allowing white illiterates remain voting rolls excluding illiterate negroes south carolina katzenbach supra holding makes clear congress may authority fifteenth amendment prohibit state action though violative perpetuates effects past discrimination decisions also recognize congress broad power enforce civil war amendments katzenbach morgan held legislation enacted authority fourteenth amendment upheld long find enactment plainly adapted end enforcing equal protection clause prohibited consistent letter spirit constitution regardless whether practices outlawed congress violated equal protection clause quoting mcculloch maryland supra stated orrectly viewed positive grant legislative power authorizing congress exercise discretion determining whether legislation needed secure guarantees fourteenth amendment four years later oregon mitchell unanimously upheld provision voting rights act amendments pub stat imposing nationwide ban literacy tests similar requirements registering vote state federal elections concluded congress rationally determined provisions appropriate methods attacking perpetuation earlier purposeful racial discrimination regardless whether practices prohibited discriminatory effect see opinion black opinion douglas opinion harlan opinion brennan white marshall jj opinion stewart joined burger blackmun clear fifteenth amendment congress may prohibit practices violate amendment long prohibitions attacking racial discrimination voting appropriate term defined mcculloch maryland ex parte virginia present case hold act ban electoral changes discriminatory effect appropriate method promoting purposes fifteenth amendment even assumed amendment prohibits intentional discrimination voting congress rationally concluded electoral changes jurisdictions demonstrable history intentional racial discrimination voting create risk purposeful discrimination proper prohibit changes discriminatory impact see south carolina katzenbach oregon mitchell supra opinion harlan find reason disturb congress considered judgment banning electoral changes discriminatory impact effective method preventing undo ing defeat ing rights recently negroes beer quoting appellants next assert even fifteenth amendment authorized congress enact voting rights act legislation violates principles federalism articulated national league cities usery contention necessarily supposes national league cities signifies retreat decision south carolina katzenbach supra rejected argument act exceed powers congress encroach es area reserved constitution determined reserved powers congress may use rational means effectuate constitutional prohibition racial discrimination voting contrary find inconsistency decisions national league cities held federal legislation regulating minimum wages hours constitutionally extended employees state local governments determined commerce clause provide congress authority enact legislation directly displac ing freedom structure integral operations areas traditional governmental functions held included relationships programs traditionally conducted decision national league cities based solely assessment congressional power commerce clause explicitly reserved question whether different results might obtain congress seeks affect integral operations state governments exercising authority granted sections constitution fourteenth amendment answer question came four days later fitzpatrick bitzer case presented issue whether spite eleventh amendment congress authority bring employers within coverage title vii civil rights act et provide successful plaintiffs recover retroactive monetary relief held extension title vii appropriate method enforcing fourteenth amendment think eleventh amendment principle state sovereignty embodies necessarily limited enforcement provisions fourteenth amendment section congress expressly granted authority enforce appropriate legislation substantive provisions fourteenth amendment embody significant limitations state authority congress acts pursuant exercising legislative authority plenary within terms constitutional grant exercising authority one section constitutional amendment whose sections terms embody limitations state authority fitzpatrick bitzer supra appellants contend alternative even act preclearance requirement appropriate means enforcing fifteenth amendment outlived usefulness congress extended act another seven years decline invitation overrule congress judgment extension warranted considering extension congress acknowledged largely result act negro voter registration improved dramatically since congress determined however bleaker side picture yet exists significant disparity persisted percentages whites negroes registered least several covered jurisdictions addition though number negro elected officials increased since held relatively minor positions none held statewide office number state legislatures fell far short representative number negroes residing covered jurisdictions congress concluded minority political progress act though undeniable modest spotty extension act warranted congress gave careful consideration propriety readopting preclearance requirement first noted recent years importance provision become widely recognized means promoting preserving minority political gains covered jurisdictions examining information number types submissions made covered jurisdictions number nature objections interposed attorney general congress determined extended another seven years gave provision ringing endorsement recent objections entered attorney general section submissions clearly bespeak continuing need preclearance mechanism registration voting minority citizens increases sic measures may resorted dilute increasing minority voting strength committee convinced largely section contributed gains thus far achieved minority political participation likewise sect serves insure progress destroyed new procedures techniques time remove preclearance protections limited fragile success must forgotten years ratification fifteenth amendment extended right vote citizens regardless race color congress found racial discrimination voting insidious pervasive evil perpetuated certain parts country unremitting ingenious defiance constitution south carolina katzenbach adopting voting rights act congress sought remedy century obstruction shifting advantage time inertia perpetrators evil victims ten years later congress found extension act necessary preserve limited fragile achievements act promote amelioration voting discrimination viewed light congress considered determination least another years statutory remedies necessary counter perpetuation years pervasive voting discrimination unsurprising unassailable extension act plainly constitutional method enforcing fifteenth amendment final constitutional challenge act individual appellants argue elections held rome since first fifth ninth tenth amendment rights private citizens city abridged blaming act result appellants identify wrong culprit act restrict private political expression prevent covered jurisdiction holding elections rather simply provides elections may held either electoral rules effect november rules adopted since time properly precleared attorney general refused preclear city electoral changes city authority conduct elections electoral scheme effect november indeed attorney general offered preclear technical amendments city charter necessary permit elections scheme modification scheme consistent act circumstances city failure hold elections attributed officials operation act iv reaffirmed holdings south carolina katzenbach act appropriate means carrying congress constitutional responsibilities consonant provisions constitution must address appellants contentions electoral changes annexations disapproved attorney general fact discriminatory effect mindful district findings fact must upheld unless clearly erroneous conclude district clearly err finding city failed prove electoral changes dilute effectiveness negro vote rome district determined racial bloc voting existed rome found electoral changes elections numbered posts staggered terms combined presence racial bloc voting rome majority white population electoral system dilute negro voting strength district recognized system negro candidate fair opportunity elected plurality vote white citizens split votes among several white candidates negroes engage voting favor change majority election scheme significantly decreased opportunity negro candidate since even gained plurality votes general election still face white candidate runoff election given bloc voting race white majority severe disadvantage footnotes omitted district conclusion city failed prove numbered posts staggered terms board education residency provisions effect forcing contests negroes whites depriving negroes opportunity elect candidate voting likewise clearly erroneous district holdings regarding electoral changes consistent statement beer purpose always insure voting procedure changes made lead retrogression position racial minorities respect effective exercise electoral process district also found city failed meet burden proving disapproved annexations dilute negro vote rome city argument finding clearly erroneous severely undermined fact failed present evidence shedding meaningful light annexations affected vote rome negro community rome failure preclear annexations caused delay federal review placed annexations district group correct concluding cumulative effect annexations must examined perspective current available population data unfortunately population data offered city quite uninformative city present evidence current general population population rome much less breakdown population category race record reflect current information regarding city registered voters record indicate number negro white registered voters city unclear whether figures included persons residing annexed areas dispute certain facts clear however february recent date population data compiled whites negroes resided disapproved annexed areas persons whites negroes voting age whites negroes registered voters must assume persons moved annexed areas outside city rather within preannexation boundaries city since city bore burden proof presented evidence contrary district properly concluded annexations must scrutinized voting rights act see perkins matthews substantially enlarging city number white eligible voters without creating corresponding increase number negroes annexations reduced importance votes negro citizens resided within preannexation boundaries city circumstances city bore burden proving electoral system fairly reflects strength negro community exists annexation city richmond district determination city failed meet burden proof city commission elections based presence three factors electoral system residency requirement officeholders high degree racial bloc voting particularly light inadequate evidence introduced city determination considered clearly erroneous judgment district affirmed ordered footnotes whenever state political subdivision respect prohibitions set forth section title based upon determinations made first sentence section title effect shall enact seek administer voting qualification prerequisite voting standard practice procedure respect voting different force effect november whenever state political subdivision respect prohibitions set forth section title based upon determinations made second sentence section title effect shall enact seek administer voting qualification prerequisite voting standard practice procedure respect voting different force effect november whenever state political subdivision respect prohibitions set forth section title based upon determinations made third sentence section title effect shall enact seek administer voting qualification prerequisite voting standard practice procedure respect voting different force effect november state subdivision may institute action district district columbia declaratory judgment qualification prerequisite standard practice procedure purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth section title unless enters judgment person shall denied right vote failure comply qualification prerequisite standard practice procedure provided qualification prerequisite standard practice procedure may enforced without proceeding qualification prerequisite standard practice procedure submitted chief legal officer appropriate official state subdivision attorney general attorney general interposed objection within sixty days submission upon good cause shown facilitate expedited approval within sixty days submission attorney general affirmatively indicated objection made neither affirmative indication attorney general objection made attorney general failure object declaratory judgment entered section shall bar subsequent action enjoin enforcement qualification prerequisite standard practice procedure event attorney general affirmatively indicates objection made within period following receipt submission attorney general may reserve right submission additional information comes attention remainder period otherwise require objection accordance section action section shall heard determined three judges accordance provisions section title appeal shall lie entirety set forth provides assure right citizens vote denied abridged account race color citizen shall denied right vote federal state local election failure comply test device state respect determinations made first two sentences subsection section political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit unless district district columbia action declaratory judgment brought state subdivision determined test device used seventeen years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color provided declaratory judgment shall issue respect plaintiff period seventeen years entry final judgment denial declaratory judgment section whether entered prior august determining denials abridgments right vote account race color use tests devices occurred anywhere territory plaintiff citizen shall denied right vote federal state local election failure comply test device state respect determinations made third sentence subsection section political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit unless district district columbia action declaratory judgment brought state subdivision determined test device used ten years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth subsection section provided declaratory judgment shall issue respect plaintiff period ten years entry final judgment denial declaratory judgment section whether entered prior enactment paragraph determining denials abridgments right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth subsection section use tests devices occurred anywhere territory plaintiff action pursuant subsection shall heard determined three judges accordance provisions section title appeal shall lie shall retain jurisdiction action pursuant subsection five years judgment shall reopen action upon motion attorney general alleging test device used purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth subsection section attorney general determines reason believe test device used seventeen years preceding filing action first sentence subsection purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth subsection section shall consent entry judgment attorney general determines reason believe test device used ten years preceding filing action second sentence subsection purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color contravention guarantees set forth subsection section shall consent entry judgment entirety set forth provides provisions subsection section shall apply state political subdivision state attorney general determines maintained november test device respect director census determines less per centum persons voting age residing therein registered november less per centum persons voted presidential election november august addition state political subdivision state determined subject subsection section pursuant previous sentence provisions subsection section shall apply state political subdivision state attorney general determines maintained november test device respect ii director census determines less per centum persons voting age residing therein registered november less per centum persons voted presidential election november august addition state political subdivision state determined subject subsection section pursuant previous two sentences provisions subsection section shall apply state political subdivision state attorney general determines maintained november test device respect ii director census determines less per centum citizens voting age registered november less per centum persons voted presidential election november determination certification attorney general director census section section title shall reviewable shall effective upon publication federal register section act set forth provides phrase test device shall mean requirement person prerequisite voting registration voting demonstrate ability read write understand interpret matter demonstrate educational achievement knowledge particular subject possess good moral character prove qualifications voucher registered voters members class section act set forth provides term political subdivision shall mean county parish except registration voting conducted supervision county parish term shall include subdivision state conducts registration voting also reject appellants argument majority vote runoff election numbered posts provisions city charter already precleared attorney general state georgia submitted attorney general precleared comprehensive municipal election code title code georgia relevant regulation cfr decisions require jurisdiction unambiguous recordable manner submit legislation regulation question directly attorney general request consideration pursuant act allen state board elections attorney general afforded adequate opportunity determine purpose electoral changes whether adversely affect minority voting jurisdiction see board commissioners sheffield standard state submission viewed submission city electoral changes district noted state submission informed attorney general decision defer local charters ordinances regarding majority voting runoff elections numbered posts submit unambiguous recordable manner municipal charter provisions written amended thereafter regarding issues supp dc see supra regulation provides attorney general objects submitted change affecting voting submitting authority seeking reconsideration objection brings additional information attention attorney general attorney general shall decide within days receipt request reconsideration provided shall least days following conference held submitting authority request whether withdraw continue objection resolution issue need address government contention period provided cfr permissive rather mandatory amendment provides section right citizens vote shall denied abridged state account race color previous condition servitude section congress shall power enforce article appropriate legislation purposes case unnecessary examine various approaches expressed members city mobile bolden ante decided day section fourteenth amendment provides congress shall power enforce appropriate legislation provisions article opinion case justice douglas expressed view legislation question authorized fourteenth amendment eight members believed congress permissibly acted within authority provided fifteenth amendment opinion black opinion harlan opinion brennan white marshall jj opinion stewart joined burger blackmun see south carolina katzenbach citing pt pp indeed fitzpatrick bitzer strongly suggested result citing south carolina katzenbach one several cases sanctioning intrusions congress acting civil war amendments judicial executive legislative spheres autonomy previously reserved legislation considered case grounded expansion congress powers corresponding diminution state sovereignty found intended framers made part constitution upon ratification amendments phenomenon aptly described carv ing ex parte virginia fitzpatrick bitzer supra see also katzenbach morgan reach merits appellants argument act violates guarantee clause art iv since issue justiciable see baker carr city bears burden proving lack discriminatory purpose effect beer georgia south carolina katzenbach voting described follows consider town whites blacks election choose four council members voter able cast four votes suppose eight white candidates votes whites split among approximately equally one black candidate blacks voting one else result white candidate receives votes black candidate receives votes black probably seat technique called voting voting enables minority group win seats concentrates vote behind limited number candidates vote majority divided among number candidates commission civil rights voting rights act ten years pp district found rome negro citizens believed negro never elected long city present electoral system remains effect four negroes ever sought elective office rome none elected campaign reverend clyde hill made strongest showing four indicates presence racial bloc voting city dilutive effect majority election scheme adopted city elections operated scheme rev hill ran board education strong support negro community rev hill ran three white opponents received votes general election opponents received votes respectively rev hill elected voting scheme election provisions adopted however runoff election held white candidate general election defeated rev hill vote holding district relied analysis commission civil rights number voting rules effect frustrating voting nstead one race four positions four races one position thus post might one black candidate one white white winning situation post seat black candidate always face white contest able win opportunity voting black still might win one white candidate post possibility eliminated also majority requirement second council member might required live separate district voting still large like numbered posts separates one contest number individual contests third terms council members might staggered member term one member elected year opportunity voting never arise quoting commission civil rights supra city richmond city petersburg supp dc summarily aff evidence racial composition general population used assess impact annexations importance negro vote community information coupled data racial composition community population provides probative evidence cases voter registration data may perpetuate effects prior discrimination registration voters ely klahr burns richardson reflect belief among negro population elect candidate choice cf supra current population data probative indicate electoral potential minority community justice blackmun concurring join opinion write separately state understanding effect holding part affirms clearly erroneous district determination city rome failed meet burden disproving disputed annexation discriminatory effect issue close accept district ruling holding however seem anomalous result leaving voters residing annexed areas within jurisdiction rome board education outside jurisdiction city commission appellees point however brief appellees affirmance district holding preclude city altering anomaly seems significant district adopted remedial device conditioning approval annexations rome abandonment residency requirement city commission elections thus denied city motion approval annexations without prejudice renewal upon undertaking suitable action consistent views expressed herein supp dc remedial device conditioning approval annexations elimination discriminatory aspects city electoral system developed city petersburg supp dc summarily aff expressly approved city richmond entertain doubt district apparent conclusion residency requirement commission elections standing alone render postannexation electoral system rome one fairly recogniz minority political potential within meaning city richmond discriminatory effect residency requirement election system results necessary separation one contest number individual contests thereby frustrating minority efforts utilize effectively voting see ante city size rome one might reasonably conclude requirement one commission member reside nine wards effect district failed analyze however impact attorney general preclearance rome reduction number wards city nine three potential effective voting frustrated requirement three commissioners elected three wards long candidates required run particular numbered post within ward given attorney general preclearance reduction number wards nine three latter requirement one district considered determining whether presence residency requirement necessarily lead conclusion rome postannexation electoral system one fairly recognize minority political potential dissent affirmance district holding respect annexations however appellees conceded rome need abandon residency requirement order keep annexed areas within jurisdiction city commission appellees state city wished retain residency requirement elections couple procedures subsequent shift system electing three commissioners three wards attorney general objected change nine wards three larger wards candidates running concurrently three unnumbered positions three wards without requirement contest voting black voters give chance elect candidate supported brief appellees attorney general response city motion reconsideration submissions agreed preclear annexations purposes board education elections decision based solely fact residency requirement board education elections rome electoral rules see ante justice stevens concurring although join opinion dissenting opinions prompt emphasize two points crucial analysis case concern statewide nature remedy congress authorized enacted voting rights act critical questions whether statutory matter congress prescribed statewide remedy denies local political units within covered state right bail separately whether constitutional matter statewide relief exceeds enforcement powers congress believe congress properly impose statewide remedy fact voting rights act fact city rome innocent wrongdoing last years irrelevant indeed may assume never racial discrimination practiced city rome racially discriminatory voting practices elsewhere state georgia sufficiently pervasive justify statewide remedy congress prescribed remedy may applied every political unit within state including city rome section voting rights act imposes certain restrictions covered political subdivisions well political subdivisions noncovered separately designated covered attorney general pursuant act section act permits separately designated political subdivisions noncovered bail restrictions demonstrating engaged racially discriminatory voting practices period years board commissioners sheffield construed word state used include political units within state even though satisfy statutory definition political subdivision even though definition added statute express purpose limiting coverage opinion sheffield construction act erroneous qualify legal consequences holding see dougherty county board education white stevens concurring prevent joining holding today political unit within covered state entitled bail plain language statute legislative history unambiguously indicate covered separately designated political subdivisions noncovered entitled take advantage provision see quoted ante political subdivisions covered state subject preclearance requirements entitled bail piecemeal fashion rather relieved preclearance obligations entire state meets conditions bailout given decision sheffield political units covered state treated purposes though political subdivisions state follows also treated purposes bailout provisions moreover even without sheffield decision illogical deny separate bailout relief larger political units counties clearly political subdivisions term defined grant smaller units municipalities school boards ii second question whether congress power prescribe statewide remedy discriminatory voting practices allow political units prove innocent discrimination bail statute coverage part opinion explains congress authority fifteenth amendment may prohibit voting practices discriminatory effect instances ample proof longstanding tradition purposeful discrimination think equally clear remedies discriminatory practices widespread within state may applied every governmental unit within state even though local units may never engaged purposeful discrimination short congress constitutional power regulate voting practices rome long power regulate practices entire state georgia since claim entire state entitled relief federal restrictions rome separate claim must fail therefore join opinion section act set forth provides term political subdivision shall mean county parish except registration voting conducted supervision county parish term shall include subdivision state conducts registration voting see stevens dissenting event city rome may subject even reasoning dissent sheffield noted political subdivisions counties subdivisions register voters covered clearly subject restrictions case city rome registered voters responsibility transferred floyd county see stipulation app thus city clearly covered act preclear transfer voting registration county least arguably remains political subdivision purposes noted tension language sheffield statement today sheffield suggest municipality covered state state purposes exemption procedure see ante compare latter statement stated wholly logical interpret state respect effect referring political units within see also brother stevens dissent misconceives basis conclusion terms susceptible interpretation sheffield covered believe term state bear meaning includes state actors within given textual interrelationship related purposes two provisions reading natural one principle applies exercise remedial powers thus antitrust action remedy may appropriate even though curtail exercise liberties defendant might otherwise enjoy national society professional engineers similarly constitutional cases may impose remedy requires defendant constitution require absence history wrongdoing see houchins kqed stevens dissenting recently applied principle school desegregation cases holding systemwide remedy opposed remedy concentrating specific instances discrimination may justified prior history pervasive systemwide discrimination columbus board education penick dayton board education brinkman justice powell dissenting two years ago held term state voting rights act includes political subdivisions control election processes subdivisions subject requirement act federal authorities preclear changes voting procedures board commissioners sheffield sheffield today concludes subdivisions within term state comes action bail preclearance requirement decision conflicts sheffield also raises grave questions constitutionality act dissent although dissent statutory constitutional grounds need examine closely treatment voting rights act sharply illustrated facts case rome city approximately registered voters black case involves two types local action affecting voting first georgia assembly established majority vote requirement city commission board education reduced number election wards nine three new arrangement three city commissioners two members board education chosen ward numbered posts second rome completed territorial annexations issue case annexations allegedly diluted black vote rome disproportionately adding white voters relevant tracts land completely unpopulated taken city additional white voters annexed land caused net decline black share rome electorate substantial conflict ultimate ruling district case findings fact made finding rome employed literacy test device prerequisite voter registration past seventeen years recent years direct barriers black voting rome supp dc observed white officials encouraged blacks run office evidence obstacles political candidacy blacks recent black contender board education narrowly lost runoff vote city blacks make voters although black elected municipal government stated white elected officials rome responsive needs interests black community actively seek black political support indeed district concluded rome black community chooses vote group probably determine outcome many contests ibid despite findings district refused approve annexations changes voting procedures held city proved annexations voting changes reduce political influence rome blacks many reservations conclusion note particular black candidate running challenged election rules commanded three times share votes black community holds moreover nine annexations issue vacant land thus effect voting occurred nevertheless need consider whether district ruling evidence clearly erroneous rather cite apparent factual inconsistencies holding highlight far courts including departed original understanding act purpose meaning background address substantive questions posed case ii voting rights act state political subdivision attempt end preclearance obligations declaratory judgment action bailout district district columbia bailout must granted district finds jurisdiction test device used seventeen years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color ibid district expressly found city rome meets standard blacks participate actively rome political life see supra findings demonstrate city satisfied letter spirit bailout provision nevertheless district held long georgia covered act city rome may alter voting practice without prior approval federal authorities today affirms decision district holds subdivision may bail long state remains subject preclearance conclusion reached disregarding terms statute interpreted section makes bailout available state subdivision language refers back provision ban use literacy tests state reached act ii political subdivision covered separate unit entire state georgia covered case concerns first category definition thus crucial language sheffield prohibition tests devices state covered sheffield emphasized territorial content key phrase reasoned referring discriminatory practices state congress extended ban tests devices political subdivisions control voting since language also defines applicability continued subdivisions must also subject preclearance consequently federal authorities must review changes local voting rules regulations covered act availability bailout action defined exactly phrase interpreted sheffield bailout context however today finds language reach political subdivisions thus construes identical words one meaning one situation wholly different sense applied another context protean construction reduces statute irrationality irrationality evident contrast rights localities like rome covered covered local governments located covered act subdivisions latter group bailed preclearance obligation six separate actions yet difference governments city rome state rome located subject voting rights act reasoned justification allowing subdivision north carolina bail denying similar privilege subdivision georgia found full compliance criteria district acknowledged today deny abstract force argument argument nevertheless fails according opinion two reasons sheffield hold cities rome political subdivisions merely subjected entities preclearance requirement ii congressional reports accompanying voting rights act state bailout available subdivision located state covered act ante neither reason supports decision sheffield identify cities like rome political subdivisions defined act answer point construction state sheffield control availability bailout terms logic fairness rome must preclear must also free bail second elementary language statute clear unambiguous occasion look legislative history resort legislative materials congressional mandate unclear face ex parte collett oregon although committee reports particular often helpful guide meaning ambiguous statutory language even must disregarded inconsistent plain language statute gooding marshall dissenting sheffield little dispute meaning state used includes political subdivisions exercise control elections accordingly basis reliance congressional statements inconsistent terms statute imposes burden preclearance rome section must also relieve burden city demonstrate compliance act quite strict requirements bailout iii however involved incorrect construction statute interpretation renders voting rights act unconstitutional applied city rome preclearance requirement intrudes prerogatives state local governments abridges voting rights citizens covered act fifteenth amendment congress may impose constitutional deprivations acting remedy violations voting rights see south carolina katzenbach katzenbach morgan harlan dissenting view district finding rome denied abridged voting rights blacks fifteenth amendment provides authority continuing deprivations entire state georgia satisfies bailout standards first sustained voting rights act conceded legislation uncommon exercise congressional power south carolina katzenbach supra recognized preclearance act implicates serious federalism concerns justice stevens noted sheffield statute encroachment state sovereignty significant undeniable dissenting opinion encroachment especially troubling destroys local control means one central values polity unless federal structure provides protection community ordering democratic procedures right community determine course within boundaries marked constitution risk preclearance also operates individual level diminish voting rights residents covered areas federal review local voting practices reduces influence citizens policies directly affecting strips locally elected officials autonomy chart policy south carolina katzenbach supra lightly approve intrusions federalism individual rights upheld imposition preclearance prophylactic measure based remedial power congress enforce fifteenth amendment emphasized preclearance like remedial device imposed response harm congress approved act observed reliable evidence actual voting discrimination great majority political subdivisions affected new remedies act since coverage formula purported identify accurately jurisdictions engaged voting discrimination imposition preclearance held justified least absence proof state local government free substantial voting discrimination recent years south carolina katzenbach emphasized however government subjected preclearance relieved federal oversight voting discrimination fact continue materialize prescribed period acknowledging possibility overbreadth act provides termination special statutory coverage behest political subdivisions danger substantial voting discrimination materialized preceding statutorily defined period today decrees citizens rome direct control city voting practices entire state georgia free act restrictions current interpretation word state georgia establish satisfied standards also every one political subdivisions meets criteria outcome makes every city county georgia hostage errors even deliberate intransigence single subdivision since statute enacted one state succeeded bailing alaska precedent holds little hope populous georgia demonstrating right bailout alaska people political subdivisions state people subdivisions far cry seeking bailout behalf georgia approximately million people local governments today ruling therefore seal constitutionally necessary safety valve voting rights act preclearance requirement enforces presumption voting changes certain state local governments presumption restricted governments meeting coverage criteria presumption rebutted proper showing bailout suit act may seen south carolina katzenbach saw action congress limit authority fifteenth amendment governments like city rome may bail statute oversteps limits reasons reverse judgment district iv reason believe today decision protect voting rights minorities way perhaps case viewed one ends justify dubious analytical means district found one denies least years voting discrimination city rome despite record today continues federal rule local decisions made small city georgia outcome must vitiate incentive local government state covered act meet diligently act requirements neither framers fifteenth amendment congress enacted voting rights act intended result part package revisions assembly increased board education five six members eased voter registration requirements shifted registration responsibility county supp dc statistics question altogether satisfactory since population annexed areas must compared voter registration totals given city voters black percentage drops adding white voters black voters lived annexed areas see brief appellees district also noted city made effort upgrade black neighborhoods subsidized transit system predominantly black ridership hired number blacks skilled supervisory positions municipal government opinion simply ignores relevant facts averts eyes central paradox case even though rome met every criterion established voting rights act protecting political rights minorities holds city must remain subject preclearance section permits two methods preclearance local government may ask district district columbia ruling voting change acceptable may submit change attorney general accept reject within days administrative procedure used almost exclusively since takes less time section set forth provides relevant part assure right citizens vote denied abridged account race color citizen shall denied right vote federal state local election failure comply test device state respect determinations made first two sentences subsection section political subdivision respect determinations made separate unit unless district district columbia action declaratory judgment brought state subdivision determined test device used seventeen years preceding filing action purpose effect denying abridging right vote account race color emphasis supplied state political subdivision subject act director census finds less eligible population voted last presidential election attorney general determines discriminatory test device maintained jurisdiction determinations unreviewable trigger application preclearance requirement counties choctaw mccurtain dc may two counties new mexico curry mckinley otero counties dc july three counties maine dc municipalities plantations wake county dc one county elmore county idaho dc one county apache navaho coconino counties supp dc three counties three counties new york city bailed new york dc apr bailout order rescinded two years later district found state conducted elections english thereby violating act new york dc referring torres sachs ces sdny summarily aff bailout denied one action involving local subdivision gaston county three dismissed stipulation parties board commissioners el paso county dc yuba county cal dc may nash county dc construction applies political subdivisions defined act well governments like rome fall within statutory definition thus sheffield statutory interpretation subdivisions covered act entitled bail constitutional analysis part iii infra reaches conclusion view narrower focus approach statutory constitutional issues raised case reach broad analysis offered justice rehnquist dissent justices expressed concern south carolina katzenbach black concurring dissenting allen state board elections harlan concurring part dissenting part see also georgia powell dissenting national league cities usery noted political subdivisions derive authority power respective integrity like protected principles federalism federal system allocates primary control elections state local officials oregon mitchell opinion black opinion harlan lassiter northampton county board elections emphasized importance democratic society preserving local control local matters see milliken bradley federal control local schools deprive people control schools elected representatives james valtierra local referendum public housing project ensures people community voice decision may lead large expenditures lower tax revenues preservation local control naturally enough involves protecting integrity state local governments see national league cities usery supra coyle oklahoma found important confirmation rationality coverage formula fact evidence recent racial discrimination involving tests devices subdivisions exempted preclearance took similar approach affirmed temporary suspension literacy tests congress oregon mitchell supra entire agreed justice black view congressional action justified long history discriminatory use literacy tests disfranchise voters account race see opinion douglas opinion harlan opinion brennan white marshall jj opinion stewart history supported temporary suspension literacy tests still use see opinion douglas without providing option contrast preclearance involves broad restraint state local voting practices regardless whether even used discriminate tr oral arg position dictates eccentric result insisting subdivisions covered relieved state bails view also cast serious doubt act constitutionality applied state bail due failings single subdivision rational approach treat state local governments independently purposes bailout subdivisions georgia free seek bailout bailout action state properly focus state voting policies georgia entitled bail preclearance continue apply subdivisions noncompliance met coverage criteria course situation different state contributed overtly covertly subdivision failure comply alaska dc alaska dc mar alaska suit prompted recoverage state act extension extension act also coverage alaska filed abandoned yet another bailout suit alaska dc may stipulated dismissal action one state virginia attempted bail virginia supp dc summarily aff held virginia satisfy state literacy test administered localities discriminatory context inferior education offered virginia blacks certain rural counties period solicitor general georgia counties municipalities subdivisions must preclear every voting change matter irrelevant change might discrimination voting app brief appellees practical level district argued since subdivisions currently required preclear voting changes bailout suits small percentage subdivisions swamp view acknowledged difficulties confront local government seeking bailout district columbia means floodgates perceived ever open suits involving substantial expense well uncertainty likely initiated unless substantial likelihood success moreover argument ignores procedures bailout suit section directs attorney general contest bailout finds state local government used discriminatory test device preceding years fact attorney general consented bailout nine actions succeeded three bailout suits gone trial see nn supra thus department justice courts shoulder much added burden might arise recognizing bailout right governments like city rome burden hardly onerous attorney general present responsibility preclearing voting changes subdivisions first six months voting changes submitted attorney general rate per working day letter joseph dorn drew days iii assistant attorney general civil rights division department justice reprinted app brief appellants astonishing figures compare unfavorably cited justice stevens sheffield dissent questioned efficacy attorney general review preclearance requests arriving rate four day board commissioners sheffield nn see berry doles powell concurring judgment hardly need added senior officer justice department much less attorney general make thoughtful personal judgment average preclearance petitions per day thus important decisions made democratic basis covered subdivisions finally judged unidentifiable employees federal bureaucracy usually without anything resembling evidentiary hearing justice rehnquist justice stewart joins dissenting today held city mobile violate constitution maintaining system electing city officials unless voters prove system product purposeful discrimination city mobile bolden ante result reached even though black residents mobile demonstrated racial bloc voting prevented electing black representative city government correctly concluded city obligation constitution structure representative system manner maximizes black community ability elect black representative yet instant case city rome prevented instituting precisely type structural changes says mobile may maintain consistently civil war amendments long purpose legitimate congress prohibited changes voting rights act exercise enforcement power conferred amendments necessary hold congress limited merely providing forum aggrieved plaintiffs may assert rights civil war amendments order disagree decision permitting congress straitjacket city rome manner fourteenth amendment fifteenth amendment congress granted power enforce appropriate legislation limitations state action embodied amendments presumption constitutionality due act coordinate branch federal government one ultimately responsible deciding challenges exercise power entities marbury madison cranch nixon today decision nothing less total abdication authority rather exercise deference due coordinate branch government facts case readily demonstrate fallacy underlying determination congressional prohibition rome conduct characterized enforcement fourteenth fifteenth amendment district entered extensive findings fact facts conspicuously absent opinion lower found rome employed discriminatory barriers black voter registration past years city employed barriers black voting black candidacy indeed found white elected officials encouraged blacks run elective posts rome responsive needs interests black community city discriminated blacks provision services made efforts upgrade black neighborhoods also established although black never elected political office rome black appointed fill vacancy elective post white candidates vigorously pursue support black voters several commissioners testified spent proportionately time campaigning black community needed vote win concluded blacks often hold balance power rome elections despite political climate attorney general refused approve number city annexations various changes electoral process city sought require majority vote election city commission board education create numbered posts staggered terms elections establish ward residency requirement board education elections addition years city effected annexations appellees concede none annexations sought discriminatory purposes electoral changes annexations opposed attorney general grounds adoption lessen likelihood blacks successful electing black city official assuming voting part whites blacks changes considered impermissible device rome sought judicial relief district found city met burden proving electoral changes annexations enacted purpose discriminating blacks changes nevertheless prohibited perceived disparate effect ii holds today city rome constitutionally compelled seek congressional approval governmental changes even though engaged discrimination blacks least years moreover also holds federal approval constitutionally denied even city proved changes purposefully discriminatory agree justice powell conclusion requiring localities submit preclearance significant intrusion local autonomy even greater intrusion autonomy deny preclearance sought facts case signal necessity carefully scrutinize alleged source congressional power intrude deeply governmental structure municipal corporations created section fifteenth amendment fourteenth provide congress shall power enforce appropriate legislation congressional power prohibit electoral changes proposed rome dependent upon scope nature power three theories congressional enforcement power relevant case first clear proposed changes violate constitution congress certainly prohibit implementation never seriously maintained however congress judiciary enforce amendments commands thus electoral changes issue violate constitution judicially interpreted must determined whether congress nevertheless appropriately prohibit changes two theories congressional power second theory congress act remedially enforce judicially established substantive prohibitions amendments properly remedial exercise power sustained accepts premise third theory congress authority enforcement powers determine without electoral changes disparate impact race violate constitution case congress legislative act effectively amend constitution think apparent neither first two theories sustaining exercise congressional power supports application voting rights act decision city mobile little doubt rome engaged constitutionally prohibited conduct also believe prohibition changes genuinely characterized remedial exercise congressional enforcement powers thus result holding congress effectively power determine conduct violates constitution result violates previously distinctions judicial branch legislative executive branches federal government see nixon marbury madison cranch enforcement power construed remedial grant authority duty ensure challenged congressional act enforce limitations state power established fourteenth fifteenth amendments marbury madison resolved question whether appropriate exercise remedial power congress prohibit local governments instituting structural changes government although racially motivated effect decreasing ability black voting bloc elect black candidate found matter statutory interpretation congress intended prohibit governmental changes basis disparate impact voting rights act cases however never directly presented constitutional questions implicated lower finding case city engaged purposeful discrimination enacting changes otherwise almost two decades see beer city richmond perkins matthews fairley patterson decided together allen state board elections none cases squarely presented constitutional challenge congressional power prohibit state electoral practices locality disproved existence purposeful discrimination cases actually examined constitutional questions relating congress exercise powers enforce fourteenth fifteenth amendments also purport resolve issue principles distilled precedents require conclusion limitations state power issue sustained remedial exercise power fourteenth fifteenth amendments prohibit purposeful discrimination decisions recognized circumstances congressional prohibition state local action purposefully discriminatory may nevertheless appropriate remedial legislation civil war amendments see oregon mitchell gaston county circumstances however without judicial limits decisions indicate congressional prohibition conduct may violate constitution appropriate legislation enforce civil war amendments prohibition necessary remedy prior constitutional violations governmental unit necessary effectively prevent purposeful discrimination governmental unit circumstances congress still legislating response incidence state action violative civil war amendments precedents carefully formulated around historic tenet law order invoke remedy must wrong remedial construction congressional power enforce fourteenth fifteenth amendments wrong must amount constitutional violation wrong identified appropriateness remedy measured today identifies constitutional wrong object congressional exercise power purposeful discrimination local governments structuring political processes effort reduce black voting strength goes hold prohibitions imposed case represent appropriate means preventing constitutional violations rest conclusion finding prohibition necessary remedy prior discrimination locality rather reasons prohibition changes discriminatory effect prevent incidence changes discriminatory purpose congress rationally concluded electoral changes jurisdictions demonstrable history intentional racial discrimination voting create risk purposeful discrimination proper prohibit changes discriminatory impact ante congress evidence various governments enacting electoral changes annexing territory prevent participation blacks local government measures outright denial franchise congress course remedy prevent purposeful discrimination part local governments see gomillion lightfoot given difficulties proving electoral change annexation undertaken purpose discriminating blacks congress properly conclude remedial matter necessary place burden proving lack discriminatory purpose localities see south carolina katzenbach support conclusion congress acting remedially continues presumption purposeful discrimination even locality disproved presumption absent circumstances judicial system held electoral changes affirmatively proved permissible constitution nonetheless violate constitution precedent relies simply support remedial characterization neither oregon mitchell south carolina katzenbach supra legitimizes use irrebuttable presumption changes motivated discriminatory animus principal electoral practice issue cases use literacy tests yet simply fails make inquiry whether particular electoral practices issue encompassed preventive remedial rationale invoked south carolina oregon rationale support congressional prohibition electoral practices simply logical application devices issue oregon sustained nationwide prohibition literacy tests thereby extending limited suspension approved south carolina upholding congressional measure established circumstances congressional remedy may constitutionally overinclusive prohibiting state action might purposefully discriminatory possibility justify overinclusiveness countenanced case however oregon means held congress simply use discriminatory effect proxy discriminatory purpose seems imply instead opinions identified factors rendered prohibition properly remedial found nationwide ban appropriate means effectively preventing purposeful discrimination application literacy tests well appropriate means remedying prior constitutional violations state local governments administration education minorities presumption literacy tests either used purposefully discriminate disparate effects tests attributable discrimination education wide mark various opinions noted time congress enacted ban utilizing literacy tests opinion douglas voter registration statistics available within suggested disparate effect prevalent opinion black even adopted discriminatory purpose tests readily applied discriminatory fashion thus demonstration state sought reinstate tests legitimate purposes eliminate substantial risk discrimination application ban effectively prevent occurrence purposeful discrimination nationwide ban also found necessary effectively remedy past constitutional violations without nationwide ban voter illiterate due state discrimination education denied right vote basis illiteracy moved jurisdiction retaining literacy test nondiscriminatory purposes finally justice stewart found uniform prohibition definite advantages enforcement federal relations reduced tensions particular regions relieved federal government administrative burden implicated selective state enforcement presumptive prohibition procedures similarly appropriate means exacting state compliance civil war amendments first prohibitions quite unlike literacy ban disparate effects traceable discrimination governmental bodies education even present desire use tests legitimate see gaston county disparate impact associated nondiscriminatory electoral changes issue results bloc voting private rather governmental discrimination clear therefore prohibitions implicate congressional power devise effective remedy prior constitutional violations local governments invoke aspect congressional remedial powers also clear still utilizing literacy tests may discriminate similar generalization made government structures disparate impact black voting strength time congress passed act one study demonstrated cities nationwide elections city officials example form government adopted many cities throughout century reform measure designed overcome corruption ward system government see jewell local systems representation political consequences judicial choices geo rev obviously annexations similarly presumed devoid legitimate uses yet practices regularly prohibited act covered cities prohibition practices disparate impact enhance congressional prevention purposeful discrimination changes issue like literacy tests though fair face subject discriminatory application local authorities see yick wo hopkins either discriminatory outset finally advantages supporting imposition nationwide ban simply implicated case added administrative burdens issue since congress provided mechanism preclearance suits event burden proof issue locality certain constitutional wrong implicated purposeful dilution effectively remedied prohibiting occurs reasons think present case controlled result oregon prohibiting electoral changes disparate impact congress attempted prevent disparate impacts purposeful discrimination congress unquestionably power prohibit remedy state action intentionally deprives citizens fourteenth fifteenth amendment rights unless powers wholly uncanalized appropriate remedial legislation congress prohibit rome structuring government manner population sees fit absent finding unrebutted presumption rome intentionally discriminating black citizens rome simply committed constitutional violations defined stake sophistry worst conclusion requiring local government structure political system manner effectively enhances black political strength serves remedy prevent constitutional wrongs part local government need prevent disparate impact premised assumption white candidates represent black interests devise system encouraging blacks vote bloc black candidates findings case alone demonstrate tenuous nature assumptions expressly found white officials ably represented interests black community even blacks testified admitted dissatisfaction expressed preference represented officials race enforcement provisions civil war amendments premised notion congress empower later generation blacks get even wrongs inflicted forebears stake city rome preference black community represented black never elevated notion means confined blacks status constitutional right see whitcomb chavis concluded whitcomb mere fact one interest group another concerned outcome elections found outvoted without legislative seats provides basis invoking constitutional remedies indication segment population denied access political system appropriate add even find remedial relationship prohibition state action disparate impact black voting strength incidence purposeful discrimination exercise caution approving remedy issue absent purposeful dilution political theorists readily differ advantages inherent different governmental structures justice harlan noted dissent fairly patterson decided together allen state board elections clear go deciding whether system preferred district system one system negroes influence election officers minority groups influence selection fewer officers emphasis deleted result reached today sustained upon theory congress empowered determine structural changes disparate impact minority group ability elect candidate race violates fourteenth fifteenth amendment construction fourteenth amendment rejected civil rights cases emphasized power conferred remedial reasoned structure amendment made clear authorize congress create code municipal law regulation private rights provide modes redress operation state laws action state officers subversive fundamental rights specified mendment interpretation consonant legislative history surrounding enactment amendment construction never refuted majority members support construction current years emerged south carolina katzenbach oregon mitchell see also opinion powell ante south carolina katzenbach observed congress attack evils comprehended fifteenth amendment oregon mitchell five members unwilling conclude congress power determine establishing age limitation voting denied equal protection ages opinion justice stewart case joined chief justice burger justice blackmun reaffirmed congress power fourteenth amendment provide means eradicating situations amount violation equal protection clause determine matter substantive constitutional law situations fall within ambit clause justice harlan separate opinion reiterated belief duty congress determine exceeded constitutional limitations imposed upon powers cf oregon hass cooper aaron justice black also unwilling accept broad construction enforcement powers formulated opinion justice brennan joined justices white marshall today fails heed prior precedent permit congressional power prohibit conduct challenged case requires state local governments cede far powers federal government civil war amendments ever envisioned requires judiciary cede far power interpret enforce constitution ever envisioned intrusion offensive constitutional system recognized values fostered debatable assumptions political theory properly left local democratic process voting rights act generally viewed exercise fifteenth amendment power see south carolina katzenbach since vote dilution devices issue case rights stake properly viewed fourteenth amendment rights see city mobile bolden ante nevertheless upheld constitutionality act applied remedy violations fourteenth amendment gaston county moreover nature enforcement powers conferred fourteenth fifteenth amendments always treated coextensive see guest opinion brennan james bowman reason necessary differentiate fourteenth fifteenth amendment powers purposes opinion share justice powell observation factual conclusions respecting discriminatory effect annexations highly questionable ante rest dissent however somewhat broader grounds least four members mobile held purposeful discrimination prerequisite establishing constitutional violation case alleging vote dilution fourteenth fifteenth amendments ante opinion stewart majority might adopt view see ante opinion white voting procedures adopted rome appear readily meet standards constitutionality established justice stevens see ante city petersburg supp dc summarily aff district find annexation scheme prohibited solely basis disparate impact without finding purposeful discrimination part local government petersburg considered dispositive question presented case however address possible constitutional difficulties conclusion thus clear arguments raised parties unexplicated summary affirmance affirms judgment reasoning district see hicks miranda issue also squarely presented resolved jewish organizations carey ujo issue whether state constitutionally take racial criteria account drawing district lines redistricting strictly necessary eliminate effects past discriminatory districting apportionment found use criteria proper differing reasons opinion justice white joined three members suggested part voting rights act constitutionally require question however constitutionality state use racial criteria citizens constitutionality congressional acts required state governments use racial criteria another part opinion justice white reasoned state powerless minimize consequences racial discrimination voters regularly practiced polls may empowered voluntarily use racial criteria order minimize effects voting conclusion determine constitutional authority congress require use racial criteria structuring governments see reference legislative history jewish organizations carey supra see burt miranda title ii morganatic marriage rev explicit support also derived justice harlan dissenting opinion joined justice stewart katzenbach morgan justice harlan clarified need remedial construction congressional powers also unnecessary however read majority opinion establishing rejection remedial construction civil rights cases justice brennan majority opinion contain language suggesting rejection remedial construction enforcement powers opinion also advanced remedial rationale supports determination reached compare rationales forwarded statements particularly inappropriate construe katzenbach morgan rejection remedial interpretation congressional powers view subsequent decision oregon mitchell since justice black found congressional powers circumscribed acting counter racial discrimination fourteenth amendment determine precise nature congressional powers exercised field racial relations analysis nationwide ban literacy tests also presented oregon mitchell however consistent remedial interpretation powers