Do federal drug laws exceed the Commerce Clause when applied to intrastate possession of medical marijuana, authorized by state law? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.
Dept. of Health and Human Services v. Florida—The Health Care Case (2012)
U.S. v. Morrison (2000)
Does Congress have the authority to enact the Violence Against Women Act under either the Commerce Clause or Fourteenth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
The Pursuit of Justice
The Pursuit of Justice book, written by Kermit L. Hall and John J. Patrick, analyzes 30 Supreme Court cases chosen by a group of Supreme Court justices and leading civics educators as the most important for American citizens to understand. An additional 100 significant cases included in state history and civics standards are summarized. The complete book or individuals chapters can be downloaded.
Weights and Measures
In this lesson, students will come to understand why having common weights and measures, imposed and enforced by the government, is important in day-to-day life. They will discuss how weights and measures permeate the sciences, industry, and commerce, discovering the importance of such standards in their own lives. In the process, students will identify concepts underlying the need for weights and measures, such as private property and fair treatment under the law.
Enterprise and Commerce: A Lesson on “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg” by Mark Twain
Is the commercial spirit good for civic virtue? Consider the status of virtue in a democratic society devoted to gain and self-interest as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss Mark Twain’s story with David Brooks (New York Times). Includes a discussion guide and model conversation.