This lesson centers on the constitutional and historical themes presented in the Balancing State and Federal Power: The Constitution’s Commerce Clause film. Students analyze landmark cases and economic shifts to evaluate the clause’s impact on regulation, ultimately applying these concepts to debate whether the federal government should oversee emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. The lesson emphasizes:
- Why does the commerce clause have relevance for all Americans?
- How has the interpretation of the commerce clause changed during different eras of American history?
- How does the commerce clause influence the balance of power between the federal and state governments?
*Developed by Ryan Werenka, an experienced social studies educator in Michigan.