Interstate Commerce Commission facts for kids
The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was a special government group in the United States. It was created in 1887 by the Interstate Commerce Act. The ICC's main job was to make sure that large businesses, especially railroads, acted fairly.
Later, the ICC also started to regulate the trucking industry. Its goal was to ensure fair prices for services. It also worked to stop unfair pricing practices. The ICC regulated many types of public transportation, like bus services, and even telephone companies. The U.S. Congress gave the ICC more power to regulate other businesses starting in 1906. The ICC stopped operating in 1995. Its remaining duties were moved to the Surface Transportation Board.
The ICC had five members. The President of the United States chose these members. The United States Senate then had to approve them. The Commission could look into rule-breaking and stop any unfair actions. In its early days, the ICC's decisions needed approval from a federal court to become official. The ICC was the first independent group of its kind. It was also the first U.S. agency to regulate big businesses.
Images for kids
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A 1914 cartoon shows railroad companies asking the ICC (depicted as Uncle Sam) for permission to raise rates, while the ghost of a horrified William Henry Vanderbilt looks on.
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A Puck magazine cartoon from 1907 depicting two large bears named "Interstate Commerce Commission" and "Federal Courts" attacking Wall Street.
See also
In Spanish: Interstate Commerce Commission para niños
