Why did the interstate commerce commission have difficulty enforcing reforms? a. the courts often ruled against the commission. b. the commission had no power to ban rate discrimination. c. some commission members supported laissez-faire policies. d. the courts refused to hear cases on interstate commerce.

The correct answer is A. The courts often ruled against the commission.

The Interstate Commerce Act became law on April 5, 1887. The main purpose of the Act was to stop unfair railroad practices conducted by monopolies.  

By 1870's businessmen, citizens and railroad workers asked the help of Congress to oversees the trade between states.

The court denied states the right to control interstate railroad rates. But when it was first applied, it provoked resistance by rail owners who exert political pressure on courts to reduce the impact of the laws. These people wanted to limit Commission participation in the enforcement of reforms.