Which constitutional provision authorizes Congress to prohibit private racial discrimination via interstate commerce?

Which constitutional provision authorizes Congress to prohibit private racial discrimination via interstate commerce?

• A. Commerce Clause
• B. Contract Clause
• C. Bill of Attainder
• D. Establishment Clause

Answer: (A)

Authority to prohibit private racial discrimination in the context of interstate commerce comes from the Commerce Clause. This clause gives Congress power to regulate commerce among the states, and courts have interpreted it to cover private conduct that substantially affects interstate commerce. That’s why federal civil rights laws ban discriminatory practices by businesses serving interstate travelers—discrimination in places like hotels and restaurants can disrupt travel and trade across state lines. A landmark justification for this approach is that activity connected to interstate travel and commerce falls within Congress’s regulatory reach, so discrimination in those activities can be outlawed under this authority. The other options don’t fit because they address different limits or powers: the Contract Clause restricts states from impairing contracts, not Congress’s authority to regulate nationwide private conduct; the Bill of Attainder bars punishing individuals or groups by legislative act; and the Establishment Clause forbids government promotion of religion.

Authority to prohibit private racial discrimination in the context of interstate commerce comes from the Commerce Clause. This clause gives Congress power to regulate commerce among the states, and courts have interpreted it to cover private conduct that substantially affects interstate commerce. That’s why federal civil rights laws ban discriminatory practices by businesses serving interstate travelers—discrimination in places like hotels and restaurants can disrupt travel and trade across state lines. A landmark justification for this approach is that activity connected to interstate travel and commerce falls within Congress’s regulatory reach, so discrimination in those activities can be outlawed under this authority.

The other options don’t fit because they address different limits or powers: the Contract Clause restricts states from impairing contracts, not Congress’s authority to regulate nationwide private conduct; the Bill of Attainder bars punishing individuals or groups by legislative act; and the Establishment Clause forbids government promotion of religion.