GIbbons+v.+Ogden

The case of Gibbons vs Ogden is a case in which Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton had power over all water ways in the state of New York and contained a monopoly over the water ways and hoped to create a steamboat monopoly. They sued Aaron Ogden for operating the new York water way without there consent.

The Court ruled in favor it Gibbons stating "If, as has always been understood, the sovereignty of Congress, though limited to specified objects, is plenary as to those objects, the power over commerce with foreign nations and among the several states is vested in Congress as absolutely as it would be in a single government, having in its constitution the same restrictions on the exercise of the power as are found in the Constitution of the United States.".

This ruling prevented states from creating monopolies on travel and trade over sates. This helped boost trade and economy. This helped in the future with things like the rail road as well.