Question

The Supreme Court has gone through a long and cyclical relationship concerning the federal government's use of the Commerce Clause. In other words, at some points in history the federal government has been granted wide discretion in its use of the commerce power, while at others it has been "reined in" by the Court. Using the major cases that we have discussed, explain how the federal government's power to control commerce has changed from Gibbons v. Ogden through Heart of Atlanta Motel. Be sure to include a discussion of the different ways the Court has defined "commerce." Finally, in light of the most recent Commerce Clause cases we have read, what do you think is the current state of Commerce Clause powers? Why?

Answer


*A. Varies