Radiolab Presents: More Perfect - One Nation, Under Money...

What this episode covers

An unassuming string of 16 words tucked into the Constitution grants Congress extensive power to make laws that impact the entire nation. The Commerce Clause has allowed Congress to intervene in all kinds of situations — from penalizing one man for growing too much wheat on his farm, to enforcing the end of racial segregation nationwide. That is, if the federal government can make an economic case for it. This seemingly all-powerful tool has the potential to unite the 50 states into one nation and protect the civil liberties of all. But it also challenges us to consider: when we make everything about money, what does it cost us?

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Introducing "Paper Trail": A new show from ProPublica about investigative journalism

May 18, 2026 ·4m

An Imperfect Parent

May 14, 2026 ·33m

The Ghost Lady Is My Neighbor

May 7, 2026 ·23m

The Wicked Smoocha: Anglerfish Break A World Record

May 7, 2026 ·34m

ALUMA en las ondas 72: Aprender sin límites, la historia de José Luis Toro Tellado

May 6, 2026 ·32m

Vanished in Vietnam

Apr 30, 2026 ·25m

Similar Podcasts

SintonIA. La IA en las ondas. Radiolab UGR SintonIA es ciencia de datos. Es inteligencia artificial.Dos redes neuronales pensantes que hemos entrenado para que os cuenten qué se esconde detrás de las tecnologías que están conformando el presente. Estadística, redes neuronales, aplicaciones prácticas y los últimos avances del Instituto Andaluz de Ciencia de Datos e Inteligencia Computacional (DaSCI). Hand Curated Episodes for learning by OwlTail From The Tim Ferriss Show, TED Radio Hour, Hidden Brain, Radiolab, 99% Invisible, Lex Fridman, Knowledge Project and more Best Hand Picked Podcast Episodes for Learning.Get this in OwlTail's app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/owltail/id1447809682 Más allá del caso Radiolab UGR Más Allá del Caso es un podcast donde estudiantes de criminología analizan casos reales desde una perspectiva crítica y reflexiva. No solo contamos los hechos, sino que exploramos el impacto de las redes sociales, el morbo colectivo y la creciente insensibilización ante el crimen. Aquí, el caso es solo el punto de partida para entender cómo la sociedad reacciona, opina y distorsiona la realidad. Radiolab Classic WNYC Studios A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is a listener-supported producer of other leading podcasts including On the Media, Snap Judgment, Death, Sex & Money, Nancy and Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin. © WNYC Studios

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Radiolab?

This episode is 55 minutes long.

When was this Radiolab episode published?

This episode was published on January 31, 2018.

What is this episode about?

An unassuming string of 16 words tucked into the Constitution grants Congress extensive power to make laws that impact the entire nation. The Commerce Clause has allowed Congress to intervene in all kinds of situations — from penalizing one man for...

Can I download this Radiolab episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.