Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964) is associated with which principle?

• A. State sovereignty
• B. Federal authority to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations
• C. States' rights to regulate commerce
• D. Interpretation of the Commerce Clause limits

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is the federal government’s power to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations under the Commerce Clause. Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States affirmed that Congress can enforce the Civil Rights Act’s ban on racial discrimination in private businesses that serve the public by tying such discrimination to interstate commerce. The Court explained that facilities like motels cater to travelers and travelers’ movements cross state lines; allowing discriminatory practices in places that affect the flow of people and goods would impede interstate commerce. That link between discriminatory practice and interstate commerce is what gives Congress the authority to regulate and prohibit it.

So this case supports federal authority to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations. It isn’t about states’ rights to regulate commerce or narrowing the Commerce Clause; it confirms a broad federal power to prevent racial discrimination in places open to the public.