Gibbons v. Ogden [1824]
22 U.S. (9 Wheat.) 1 (1824) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Summary
Early expansive reading of federal commerce authority.
Facts
A New York steamboat monopoly conflicted with a federal coastal navigation license.
Issue
Did the Commerce Clause allow Congress to regulate interstate navigation?
Held
Yes. Navigation was commerce, and the federal license controlled.
Ratio Decidendi
The Commerce Clause reaches interstate navigation and displaces conflicting state monopolies.
Reasoning
Interstate commercial activity includes navigation and may be regulated nationally when it crosses state lines.
Significance
Early expansive reading of federal commerce authority.
Related Cases
- United States v. Lopez514 U.S. 549 (1995)
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.