What was the primary legal argument in Gonzalez v. Raich?

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

In Gonzalez v. Raich, the primary legal argument centered on the impact of homegrown marijuana on interstate commerce. The case involved California residents who cultivated marijuana for personal medical use in compliance with state law. They argued that their activities were intrastate and did not influence the broader market, thus falling outside of federal jurisdiction under the Commerce Clause.

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that even small-scale, homegrown marijuana use could substantially affect interstate commerce, as it could lead to a decline in the federal regulation of drugs. This ruling emphasized that the federal government has certain powers to regulate activities that may seem local but have the potential to influence interstate commerce significantly. Hence, the assertion that homegrown marijuana did not affect interstate commerce captures the crux of the legal argument made by the defendants in the case.

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