Gibbons v. Ogden

Name and Year of the Case

Gibbons v. Ogden, 1824

Constitutional Issue and/or Amendment

-Commerce Clause (U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8) -The federal governments role in regulating interstate commerce.

Decision of Court

Court ruled that Congress has the ability to regulate interstate commerce given the commerce clause because of Congress's power over national economy. Congress had ability to regulate trade and states did not share the authority to regulate interstate commerce because it dealt with national economy.

Significance/Impact on American Life

-Helped establish Constitution as foundational document. -The evolving definition of what commerce is what affected the people because this case defined commerce as anything that is "commercial intercourse."

Facts of the Case

-Thomas Gibbons was issued a federal coasting license which conflicted with Aaron Ogdens license -Court of Chancery ruled in favor of Ogden -Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gibbons -Commerce is anything that is "commercial intercourse" which includes carrying passengers (what Gibbons was doing) -Federal regulation on commerce included whole state -Defined powers of Congress and gave federal government the power to create a strong economy