The Study On Inter-state Commerce Act And Legislation Of Federal Railways Regulation In U.S.A

In the second half of the19th century, American railway industry was developing so rapidly that railways seemed to spread all over the country overnight. Railways not only brought the transportation revolution, but also brought the great change of American economic life. Meanwhile, the regulation thought kept changing with the development of railways. The issue of railways regulation was in discussion since70’s, but the problem was so conflicted and complicated that legislation of congress was difficulty. Furthermore, the idea of government interference was in conflict with the American traditional idea of "laissez-faire". Finally, congress passed the Inter-state Commerce Act in February of1887after inquiry and debate lasted for nearly ten years. Under this act, American established Interstate Commerce Committee which was the first regulation committee in the executive branch of America. What’s more, ICC heralded other antitrust reforms of American government aimed at maintaining social fairness in progressive era.