Commerce Clause: Expanding the Definition of Interstate Commerce

This is an Inquiry Pack to accompany the Federalism Timeline on LegalTimelines.org, which examines the evolving division of duties and powers between the federal and state governments throughout the eras of federalism. 

Built around primary sources from the Library of Congress and other collections, this Inquiry Pack facilitates a deep dive into an important aspect of the history of federalism in the United States.

Each Inquiry Pack includes a background reading, several primary sources (documents, articles, images), discussion questions about the sources, an inquiry question, and an inquiry extension question.   

This pack includes the following components:

• Introduction: The Commerce Clause
• Is Transportation on Interstate Waterways Interstate Commerce?
• Is Production Interstate Commerce?
• Are Public Accommodations Provided by Private Businesses Interstate Commerce?
• Inquiry Question: During this period, how did the definition of “interstate commerce” expand?
• Inquiry Extension Question: What is the proper use of Congress’ commerce power?
• Inquiry Question Graphic Organizer 

Street Law, Inc.’s LegalTimelines.org is an interactive, educational site designed to teach middle and high school students about the historical evolution of U.S. laws on important contemporary legal issues. Each timeline is rich with engaging and educational visuals, resources, and inquiry-based learning activities that include many primary sources from the Library of Congress’ collection.

In addition to building important civic and legal knowledge, the resources encourage students to reflect on multiple perspectives and build empathy for experiences different from their own.

The content was developed through an extensive process that included review by DEI consultants, content experts, and a group of teachers who field tested the materials in their classrooms and offered recommendations for improvement.