Question

Use the excerpt to answer the question.

"The subject to be regulated is commerce, and . . . it becomes necessary to settle the meaning of the word. The counsel for the appellee [party appealing to a higher court] would limit it to traffic, to buying and selling, or the interchange of commodities, and do not admit that it comprehends [includes] navigation. . . . All America understands, and has uniformly understood, the word "commerce" to comprehend navigation. It was so understood, and must have been so understood, when the Constitution was framed. . . .

The word ‘among’ means intermingled with. A thing which is among others is intermingled with them. Commerce among the States cannot stop at the external boundary line of each State, but may be introduced into the interior.”
—Chief Justice John Marshall, opinion of the court, Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
Question
Which of the following best summarizes this excerpt from John Marshall’s opinion?
(1 point)
Responses

The definition of commerce is differently interpreted by each state.
The definition of commerce is differently interpreted by each state.

The most important area involving commerce is in securing the national economy.
The most important area involving commerce is in securing the national economy.

The buying and selling of goods across state borders ought to fall under stricter laws.
The buying and selling of goods across state borders ought to fall under stricter laws.

The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.
The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.

Answer 1

The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.

Explanation: Marshall argues that "commerce" includes navigation and that commerce "among the States" reaches into state interiors, not just buying and selling.