How did the Commerce Clause affect the Civil Rights Act?

In passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congress relied on the commerce clause to prohibit racial segregation and discrimination in places of public accommodation involved in interstate commerce (Title II), among other provisions. In its unanimous (9–0) decision to uphold the law later that year ( Heart of Atlanta Motel v.

What is Commerce Clause?

Commerce clause, provision of the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8) that authorizes Congress ‘to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with Indian Tribes.’ The clause serves as the legal foundation of much of the government’s regulatory power.

Why does Congress use the Commerce Clause?

Congress has often used the Commerce Clause to justify exercising legislative power over the activities of states and their citizens, leading to significant and ongoing controversy regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states.