How was the Affordable Care Act upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Obamacare," was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in a critical ruling that was decided by a 5-4 vote. This landmark decision occurred in the context of the individual mandate, which required most Americans to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. The majority opinion, which included the pivotal swing vote from Chief Justice John Roberts, articulated that the mandate could be viewed as a tax, which Congress has the power to impose. This interpretation allowed the ACA to remain in effect, significantly impacting healthcare access for millions of Americans.

The narrow margin of the ruling reflected the contentious nature of the law and the differing judicial philosophies among the justices, with some emphasizing the limits of federal power and others endorsing broader interpretations of Congressional authority. The 5-4 vote underscored the political and ideological divisions within the Court at that time, highlighting how close the decision was in determining the fate of healthcare reform in the United States. The diversity of reasoning and votes among justices revealed the complexity of legal interpretations surrounding the ACA, making the ruling not just a legal but also a political phenomenon.