The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution Free Essay Example

The Constitution gave Congress authority to control trade with foreign nations and several other states, in the 1824 case of Gibbons V Ogden it helped with defining boundaries within the commerce. Within the nat. gov. and states they tested its power in regulating the economy.

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In the early 1800’s, New York state laws gave exclusive rights to certain individuals which allowed them to monopolize and operate steamboats, Aaron Ogden was the only steamboat operator(at the time). As well as, Thomas Gibbons who wanted a piece of the action but was in violation of New York state laws because he held a federal license that operated steamboats between New York and New Jersey.

Ogden was not happy about that, and complained and tried to stop Gibbons’ operation taking it to the Supreme court. They discussed giving Ogden exclusive rights to operate over Gibbons position, and the idea that the Constitution’s power over commerce gave exclusive power to regulate other commerce. The Supremacy Clause made laws take precedence over state law and a decision that the court sides within Congress.