This activity explores the Supreme Court case National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp (1937), which tested whether the federal government could protect workers’ rights to form unions and take collective action. The Court upheld the National Labor Relations Act, saying that labor disputes could affect interstate commerce and that Congress had the power to regulate them. The case shows how the Constitution was interpreted to support workers’ rights during the Great Depression and marked a turning point where the government was allowed to take a more active role in managing labor relations and supporting fair workplace practices.

Included in this resource:

Supreme Court Case Spotlight analysis with scaffolding questions
Answer key for teachers (suggested)

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