National Relationships

In the development of our colonies the need of protection for person and property, of cooperation in the development of resources, of exchange of products and labor in the creation of comforts and wealth, of consolidated action in resisting oppression and establishing rights, created a national relationship binding communities and States in a federation designed for the welfare of all. Articles of Confederation. - Under the Articles of Confederation, trade rivalries separated the new States from each other. There was an emphasis of State over National interests: One State lost its supply of cheap manufacturing material; industries suffered from want of coal, factories from lack of material, markets were limited; economic barriers were set up, no cooperation existed, exclusiveness prevailed. Constitution. - Grown now to a union of 48 States, working in a spirit of harmony and cooperation, restricted yet greatly benefited by our Constitution and statutes, we have come to be in point of wealth, attainment, and influence one of the outstanding nations of the world. Under our Constitution the departments of government are set up for the express purpose of coordination and cooperation for the general welfare of the Nation. Interstate commerce. - Notwithstanding the sovereignty of each of the States composing our Union, great freedom is enjoyed as to residence, travel, trade, and property rights among their citizens which has developed an interstate commerce of tremendous volume and worth. Commerce among the States embraces navigation, intercourse, communication, travel, the transit of persons, transmission of messages by telegraph. - Justice Harlan. Railways, air transports, postal service, telephones, telegraph, radiograms, help to unite the Nation by an exchange of goods or information, so that each citizen may know and profit by what the others are doing. The Interstate Commerce Commission contributes to the development of "a more perfect union," which is an active association for cooperative effort. This commission touches the various interests of all of the people. Its benefits of regulations are in the interest of public necessities. It provides for a quick settlement of labor disputes affecting interstate trade and transportation, the control of which is lodged in the Federal Government.