[2] The inspection laws are designed to secure to consumers quality and quantity in commodities purchased. Thus, in some states there is a dairy commissioner whose duty it is to see that no substance is offered for sale as butter which is not butter. And officers may be appointed to inspect the weights and measures in stores. Such officers may be provided for without the consent of congress. But no fees can be charged for this service more than are necessary to pay the officers. In other words, the offices cannot be made a source of revenue to the state.
[3] This is to free the states from any temptation to use the power which might be conferred under this clause for their own gain, to the detriment of a sister state.
[4] This secures to congress the control of the matter.
[5] That is, a tax upon the carrying power of a ship. This is in harmony with the provision which forbids the states to levy duties on imports.
[6] This prohibits the keeping of a standing army, but each state may have its organized militia.
[7] In the preceding clause, the states are forbidden to enter into treaties, etc.,—that is, into political compacts; and the prohibition is absolute. Here they are prohibited from entering into business compacts, unless permitted by congress.
[8] For a state to engage in war would be to embroil the country in war. But the militia might be sent to repel invasion. They would, however, be defending not the state simply, but also the United States.
"We have thus passed through the positive prohibitions introduced upon the powers of the states. It will be observed that they divide themselves into two classes: those which are political in their character, as an exercise of sovereignty, and those which more especially regard the private rights of individuals. In the latter the prohibition is absolute and universal. In the former it is sometimes absolute and sometimes subjected to the consent of congress. It will at once be perceived how full of difficulty and delicacy the task was, to reconcile the jealous tenacity of the states over their own sovereignty, with the permanent security of the national government, and the inviolability of private rights. The task has been accomplished with eminent success." [Footnote: Story.]
Pertinent Questions.
When was slavery introduced into the United States? Give an account of the steps taken to abolish it.