Legal Definitions - Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950

The Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950, also known as the McCarran Act, was a federal law passed during the Cold War. It required members of the Communist party to register with the Attorney General and for Communist organizations to provide the government with a list of members.

For example, if someone was a member of the Communist party, they would have to tell the government. This law was meant to help the government keep track of people who might be trying to overthrow the government or cause trouble.

Over time, parts of the law were declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, but it was not fully repealed until 1993.

The McCarran-Ferguson Act is a federal law that allows states to regulate insurance companies doing business in that state and to levy a tax on them.

For example, if an insurance company wants to do business in California, they have to follow the rules set by the state of California. This law helps make sure that insurance companies are following the rules and treating their customers fairly.