Final answer:
For most of the 19th century, Congress used its legislative powers to regulate commerce, supported by the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. Over time, the Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of the commerce clause, allowing Congress to regulate a wide range of economic activities among the states.
Step-by-step explanation:
For most of the 19th century, Congress used its legislative powers to regulate commerce. The commerce clause of the United States Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate business activities among the states, which includes legislating on issues like trade, environmental regulations, and consumer protections. Initially, the powers to enforce such regulations were weak, but they were strengthened over the years. The commerce clause has been a controversial topic, with the Supreme Court typically providing a broad interpretation that allows for a wide scope of federal economic regulation.
During the early years of the United States, Congress had no power to regulate trade between the states, often resulting in unfair trade relations. However, as the country grew and technology advanced, the need for Congress to act as a regulator became apparent. This led to a broadening of the interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court. After a brief period in the 1930s, when the interpretation of the commerce clause was narrower, the Supreme Court's interpretation once again expanded, empowering Congress to pass legislation impacting interstate commerce and beyond, including setting a national minimum wage.