Handout I: Commerce Clause Timeline

Handout I: Commerce Clause Timeline

Directions:

1. Use the Background Essay from Handout H: How Has the Supreme Court Interpreted the Commerce Clause? and other sources as needed to evaluate the laws and Supreme Court decisions listed below. In the graph, place a dot and the corresponding number for each of the events listed. Then draw a line to connect the dots, indicating the historical trend with respect to the power of the national government based on the Commerce Clause events.
2. On the lines at the bottom of the page, respond to these questions: How do you think Tocqueville would evaluate these changes in the scope of federal power? To what extent do you think the growth of the national government’s power is a positive development? Be sure to frame your response by referring to constitutional principles such as representative government, consent of the governed, separation of powers, federalism, individual rights, and limited government.