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The Gilded Age in American history refers to the late 19th century, roughly spanning from the 1870s to the early 1900s. It was characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant wealth accumulation among a few elite individuals, often contrasted with widespread poverty, labor exploitation, and political corruption. The term “gilded” suggests that this era appeared prosperous on the surface but was fraught with social and economic issues underneath.

During the Gilded Age, the Supreme Court played a crucial role in shaping the legal and economic landscape of the United States. One significant aspect was its interpretation of federal power versus state power, particularly regarding economic regulation and individual rights.

In several key decisions during this period, the Supreme Court often sided with states’ rights and limited federal authority over economic matters. For instance, in cases like United States v. E.C. Knight Co. (1895), the Court narrowly interpreted the Sherman Antitrust Act, which was meant to regulate monopolistic practices, leading to a reduction in federal power to curb industrial monopolies.

The rationale behind the Court’s decisions often reflected a judicial philosophy that favored minimal interference in business practices and economic affairs by the federal government. This aligns with the broader tendencies of the Gilded Age, where laissez-faire capitalism and limited government intervention in the economy were dominant ideologies among the ruling class and influential policymakers.

Therefore, the relationship between the Gilded Age and the Supreme Court’s stance on federal power lies in the Court’s tendency to limit federal authority over economic regulation and its rulings that favored states’ rights and corporate interests. This era marked a period of significant judicial interpretation that shaped the balance of power between state and federal governments for years to come.