What is the significance of Wickard v. Filburn (1942)? A. It invalidated a federal tax law as an unconstitutional delegation of power.
B. It limited the scope of Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause.
C. It offered an expansive view of Congress’s power to regulate activities with a substantial effect on interstate commerce.
D. It upheld the power of the states to nullify federal laws they found to be unconstitutional.
The correct answer is C. It offered an expansive view of Congress’s power to regulate activities with a substantial effect on interstate commerce.
Explanation: In Wickard v. Filburn (1942), the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had the power to regulate not just interstate commerce, but also activities that, when taken in the aggregate, could have a substantial effect on interstate commerce. This case specifically involved a farmer growing wheat for personal use, and the Court held that even this local activity could be regulated because it could impact market supply and prices. This ruling significantly broadened the interpretation of the Commerce Clause and paved the way for increased federal regulatory power.
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