What role did the commerce clause play in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US?

Study for the AP Government and Politics Federalism Test. Analyze questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our resources!

The commerce clause played a critical role in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States by providing the constitutional basis for the federal government's intervention against racial discrimination in public accommodations. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could use the commerce clause to regulate private businesses that operate in interstate commerce, which included the Heart of Atlanta Motel.

The motel's refusal to rent rooms to African Americans was deemed an act that affected interstate commerce because it impeded the ability of African Americans to travel and conduct business across state lines. The Court concluded that such discrimination had a direct impact on the flow of interstate commerce, thus justifying the application of federal anti-discrimination laws, particularly Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations.

This interpretation underscores the broader power of the federal government under the commerce clause to promote civil rights and enforce laws aimed at ending discriminatory practices, illustrating how federal authority can extend over local businesses when their actions have national implications.

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