Impact of United States v. Lopez on Commerce Clause Interpretation

Very Hard Unit 3: Civil Liberties & Rights Landmark Supreme Court Cases

The Supreme Court case of United States v. Lopez (1995) raised critical questions about the scope of federal power under the Commerce Clause. This case involved a high school student, Alfonso Lopez, who carried a concealed weapon to school and was charged under the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Lopez argued that Congress had exceeded its constitutional authority by enacting this law. The Supreme Court's decision in this case highlighted the tension between state and federal powers and established important precedents regarding the limits of federal jurisdiction. Which of the following statements best summarizes the impact of the Court's ruling in United States v. Lopez on the interpretation of the Commerce Clause?

It affirmed Congress's unlimited power to regulate any local economic activity.

It established that the Commerce Clause only limits state powers and does not affect federal authority.

It reinforced the principles of federalism by limiting the reach of Congress under the Commerce Clause.

It determined that possession of a gun in a school zone is an economic activity affecting interstate commerce.

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