Describe how Congress gained power to regulate farm production, child labor, wages and hours, and criminal conduct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_Clause
Thank you so much. I have just one more hard question that I can't figure out. What is the major source of income for the national government?
Ahh -- our favorite subject -- taxes!
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Government-Information-3058/Federal-Government-Income.htm
Why did the government do this
Congress gained the power to regulate farm production, child labor, wages and hours, and criminal conduct primarily through its legislative authority granted in the United States Constitution. Specifically, Congress derives its power from several key provisions in the Constitution, which include:
1. Commerce Clause: The Commerce Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution, grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. Over time, the interpretation of the Commerce Clause has expanded, allowing Congress to regulate various aspects of economic activity, including farm production, wages, and hours. Congress can regulate agricultural practices that impact interstate commerce, such as those related to food safety, import/export regulations, and pricing arrangements.
2. Necessary and Proper Clause: The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause or the Sweeping Clause, is found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution. This clause empowers Congress to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its other enumerated powers. It provides a broad grant of authority, allowing Congress to pass legislation to address social and economic issues, including child labor and criminal conduct, which are considered necessary for the proper functioning of society.
3. Fourteenth Amendment: The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted Congress the authority to enforce civil rights and equal protection under the law. This amendment has been used as a basis for Congress to pass legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, which can include regulations on labor practices that exploit vulnerable groups like child workers.
4. Criminal Law: Congress possesses the power to enact and enforce criminal laws through its authority to legislate on matters of national concern. While the federal government's role in criminal law is more limited compared to state governments, Congress can pass laws to address specific criminal activities that have interstate implications, such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and offenses related to financial crimes.
To summarize, Congress gained the power to regulate farm production, child labor, wages and hours, and criminal conduct through its constitutional authority, including the Commerce Clause, Necessary and Proper Clause, Fourteenth Amendment, and its general power to legislate on matters of national concern. These powers have been exercised through the enactment of various laws and regulations intended to protect public interests and ensure societal well-being.