This lesson centers on the constitutional and historical themes presented in the Balancing State and Federal Power: The Constitution’s Commerce Clause film. Students investigate how the Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 became one of the most significant sources of federal authority and a recurring point of tension between state and national power. The lesson emphasizes:
- Congress’s enumerated powers under Article I of the Constitution
- The evolving balance between state and federal authority
- The role of Supreme Court interpretation in expanding, limiting, and redefining federal power
- The ongoing relevance of Commerce Clause debates in a modern, interconnected economy
*Developed by Robyn and Ryan Slay, experienced social studies educators in Georgia.