During the colonial period, regulation of business activities was the right of government and its duty—extensive regulation was done, such as licensing, inspection, price fixing, etc.

Which statement best describes regulation in the decades after 1789? (a) Regulation continued at about the same level as during the colonial period.
(b) As commerce and manufacturing became more complex, the old police-power controls by detailed inspection became increasingly difficult to maintain and many controls were abolished by the states.
(c) Because the economy was becoming more complicated, the task of regulation shifted to the federal government.
(d) Regulation was abandoned because it was inconsistent with property rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

ANSWER:

B