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Gibbons v Ogden

Definition

The landmark Supreme Court case of Gibbons v Ogden (1824) established that the federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce. This case clarified the extent of Congress's authority over commercial activities between states.

Analogy

Imagine you and your friend are throwing a party. You have the power to regulate what happens within your own house, but if something occurs outside your property that affects your party, like loud music from a neighbor, you can step in and regulate it. Similarly, Gibbons v Ogden determined that the federal government has the authority to regulate commerce that crosses state lines.

Related terms

Interstate Commerce: Refers to trade or economic activity that takes place between two or more states. It falls under federal jurisdiction according to the ruling in Gibbons v Ogden.

Intrastate Commerce: Relates to trade or economic activity that occurs solely within one state's boundaries. It is typically regulated by state governments rather than the federal government.

Commerce Clause: Refers to a clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. This clause played a significant role in the outcome of Gibbons v Ogden and subsequent commerce-related cases.