Gibbons V Ogden
A Supreme Court decision that granted the power to Congress to regulate interstate commerce
Real World Example
Gibbons v. Ogden was an important Supreme Court case in 1824 that strengthened federal power by allowing Congress to regulate interstate commerce, which includes trade and business activities crossing state lines. This decision was significant during the period from 1790 to 1860 because it supported the growth of a national economy and reduced conflicts between states over trade, particularly benefiting the industrializing North. The case highlighted the ongoing tension between state and federal authority, a debate that still influences discussions about government power today. For example, federal regulations now oversee things like internet services and transportation, ensuring consistency across states, which affects how businesses operate and how people access services. For an average person, this means enjoying smoother online shopping experiences and reliable nationwide mail delivery, thanks to consistent rules across state borders.
