Growing Role of Government in Regulating the Economy


Today you will be analyzing several Supreme Court cases and how they illustrate the changing role of the federal government in the economy.  In particular, you will be determining how each case relates to the ability of the state or federal government to step in and regulate the harms of industrial capitalism.

You may work in a group of three to complete the assignment.  The table format below is receommended but not required.  You must, however, cover the information listed.  You probably will not finish within the class period,  but you should be able to make some solid progress.  The assignment is due next class period.

  Government in the Economy Table


Supreme Court Case
 Harm or Problem of Industrial Capitalism
 How had government (state or federal) tried & failed to deal with the issue before the case?
 How was government's (state or federal) ability to deal with the issue changed after the case?
  Federal & State Power
+ or -
Slaughterhouse Cases



US v. E.C. Knight Co.



Munn v. Illinois



Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad v. Illinois



Holden v. Hardy



Lochner v. New York



Muller v. Oregon








Resources:

Oyez: US Supreme Court Multimedia

Cornell Law School Supreme Court Collection