Presidential Biographies | Cleveland Administrations - Changes in the U.S. Government

Changes in the U.S. Government

Although it had no immediate impact, perhaps the most important change in government during Cleveland's first term was the signing of the Interstate Commerce Act on February 4, 1887. The Interstate Commerce Act created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), the United States's first regulatory commission, which came into existence over the issue of railroads. The commission, consisting of five members appointed by the president and approved by the Senate, was charged with overseeing railroad management to insure "reasonable and just" railroad rates, to guarantee fair competition, and to eliminate discrimination in rates and service. Enforcement depended on the diligence of the commission and the courts. The ICC eventually became a large and active body regulating not only railroads, but also trucking, air transportation, and telecommunications.

The ICC was also important at the time of its...