What was the primary outcome of the case United States v. Lopez?

The primary outcome of United States v. Lopez was indeed the limitation of Congress's regulatory power over interstate commerce. This landmark Supreme Court case, decided in 1995, marked a significant moment in federalism by underscoring the boundaries of federal authority over states.

In this case, the Court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which made it a federal offense to possess a firearm in a school zone, exceeded the powers granted to Congress under the Commerce Clause. The Court determined that possession of a gun near a school did not constitute an economic activity that would substantially affect interstate commerce. This decision effectively placed constraints on Congress's ability to legislate under the guise of regulating interstate commerce, emphasizing that not all activities could be linked to interstate trade.

This ruling shifted the balance of power towards the states, reaffirming that there are limits to the federal government’s reach, particularly concerning local issues such as education and gun possession. Thus, the outcome fundamentally supported the principle that states retain significant authority in areas not explicitly addressed by federal law, fostering a clearer distinction between federal and state powers in the complex interplay of American federalism.