Final answer:
The constitutionality of Congressional actions is subject to interpretation and review by the Supreme Court. While some laws have been ruled unconstitutional, the proportion is very small. The judicial branch maintains checks and balances on the legislature by interpreting the Constitution and weighing societal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether Congress is taking actions that some may perceive as unconstitutional can be complex, as it involves interpreting the U.S. Constitution and the decisions of the Supreme Court. Over the years, various laws passed by Congress have occasionally been found to overstep constitutional bounds, but such instances are relatively rare. It is important to note that from 1954 to 2002, only a small fraction of laws (two-thirds of 1 percent) were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, and even fewer regulations were held unconstitutional (about one-half of 1 percent).
When examining specific cases such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or decisions on the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and the balance of powers. Circumstances like the challenges to the ACA illustrate how the judicial branch serves as an arbiter in disputes over legislative actions. These cases demonstrate that while the Supreme Court has the power to invalidate Congressional actions, it does so with consideration to legislative intent and the evolving needs of society.
The year 2020 brought with it the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about the extent of federal versus state governmental powers, particularly regarding public health measures. The conversation around whether or not certain federal actions or inactions were constitutional remains a part of an ongoing debate.