Why is the Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US case significant in terms of federalism?

Why is the Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US case significant in terms of federalism?

• A. It reinforced state sovereignty over federal regulation
• B. It was a state law case with no federal implications
• C. It illustrated the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce
• D. It limited the federal government's authority to interfere in state matters

Answer: (C)

The Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US case is significant in terms of federalism because it illustrated the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, particularly the provisions that prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations. The Court ruled that the motel's operations affected interstate commerce, justifying federal intervention under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. This case underscored the ability of the federal government to take action against discrimination and to override state laws that permitted segregation and discrimination in places of public accommodation. It reaffirmed the principle that federal law can supersede state law in matters related to interstate commerce, which is a key aspect of federal authority within the federalism framework. As a result, it set a precedent for future federal legislation aimed at addressing civil rights and economic regulation.

The Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US case is significant in terms of federalism because it illustrated the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, particularly the provisions that prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations. The Court ruled that the motel's operations affected interstate commerce, justifying federal intervention under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

This case underscored the ability of the federal government to take action against discrimination and to override state laws that permitted segregation and discrimination in places of public accommodation. It reaffirmed the principle that federal law can supersede state law in matters related to interstate commerce, which is a key aspect of federal authority within the federalism framework. As a result, it set a precedent for future federal legislation aimed at addressing civil rights and economic regulation.