Which case limited the federal government's power under the Commerce Clause by striking down a federal law prohibiting gun possession near schools?

The case that limited the federal government's power under the Commerce Clause by striking down a federal law prohibiting gun possession near schools is U.S. v. Lopez. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had overstepped its authority by enacting the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. The Court held that the law did not have a sufficient connection to interstate commerce, which is a requirement for federal legislation under the Commerce Clause.

In the ruling, the Court emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between federal and state powers. It asserted that the possession of a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that could substantially affect interstate commerce, thereby reinforcing limits on congressional power. This decision marked a significant precedent by reasserting the principle that not all activities can be regulated by federal law under the Commerce Clause, a departure from the broader interpretations that had been made in earlier cases.

Understanding this case is crucial as it illustrates the ongoing debate over states' rights versus federal authority, as well as the constitutional boundaries of legislative power concerning economic regulation.