1. Do you think that it is a good idea to have a federal law banning firearms near schools or is this a matter better handled by the states? Why do you think Congress passed such a law? How persuasive is the argument that Congress has the power to regulate such matters because of their connection to interstate commerce? Under the reasoning used in this case, assess the likely constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (the federal law which defines marriage as existing between a man and a woman, thereby outlawing gay marriage).