Final answer:
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 relates to maritime business and trade, regulation of the shipping industry, and protection of American maritime labor and is an important component of social studies in high school education. The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Merchant Marine Act, passed by the U.S. federal government in 1920, is a piece of legislation that primarily deals with maritime commerce, the regulation of maritime industry, and the status of seafaring workers.
This act, often known by its section name 'Jones Act', serves to regulate maritime business activities and to protect and develop the American merchant marine industry.
This regulation fits within the broader context of federal laws that use the power of the commerce clause from the Constitution, which enables Congress to legislate over commerce 'among the states'.
Through such legislation, the federal government has taken steps to ensure a robust national economy and to facilitate the country's expansion, which is exemplified in historical policies like Manifest Destiny and others that involved transportation and trade.
The Merchant Marine Act is part of this legacy, contributing to the regulation of business and commerce within American waters and between American ports.
The act has implications not only for the movement of goods but also for the development of commercial infrastructure, such as shipbuilding, which was particularly relevant during times of military mobilization, as demonstrated during World War I.
In summary, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 has a significant impact on the business practices related to maritime trade, the legal status of seamen, and the protection of the national maritime industry, making it an important piece of social studies curriculum in high school. The correct option is 1.