Question

The state of Kansas has enacted a new law requiring all commercial trucks driving on Kansas roads to have special mud flaps installed. These mud flaps have been proved to make driving in the rain significantly safer as they reduce mist created by trucks in the rain, although data regarding accidents and injuries have not yet been determined. Any truck entering Kansas must have these flaps installed or will be subject to a significant fine and delay. The cost for purchase and installation of these flaps is $1,000 per truck. In short, trucks must have these flaps or go around the state. This Kansas law A. is valid because it only applies to Kansas roads and such a law is entirely intrastate B. is valid because Kansas's right to protect its citizens under its police powers will override any outside challenges to this law C. is invalid because this law is intended to regulate interstate commerce, an enumerated federal power D. is invalid because although on its face it's an intrastate law, this statute will have a significant economic effect on interstate commerce causing an undue burden

Answer 1

Answer:

D. is invalid because although on its face it's an intrastate law, this statute will have a significant economic effect on interstate commerce causing an undue burden

Explanation:

States can create laws that improve residents' lives by providing more security, education or infrastructure. Even if states have the autonomy to create their laws, some of them could not be sanctioned because they are the responsibility of the federal government and not the state. An example of this is the law made by the state of Kansas shown in the above question that, although it was created for a good reason (which was to promote road safety), it refers to an intrastate law that creates a significant burden on commerce between the state of Kansas and another state. This type of law can only be created by the federal government (specifically, the federal congress) to be valid.