When a river flows through two or more states, which statement about jurisdiction is true?

When a river flows through two or more states, which statement about jurisdiction is true?

• A. Each state has jurisdiction over the entire river
• B. No jurisdiction for any state
• C. Each state has jurisdiction over the portion within its boundaries
• D. The river is governed by federal law

Answer: (C)

When a river runs through more than one state, each state exercises jurisdiction over the portion of the river that lies within its own borders. This reflects the basic idea that sovereignty and regulatory authority over land and resources extend to what is inside a state's boundaries, including the parts of a river that flow through it. Federal law can play a role in matters like navigation and interstate commerce, but it does not replace state control over the river segments within each state. So the statement that matches this situation is that each state has jurisdiction over the portion within its boundaries.

When a river runs through more than one state, each state exercises jurisdiction over the portion of the river that lies within its own borders. This reflects the basic idea that sovereignty and regulatory authority over land and resources extend to what is inside a state's boundaries, including the parts of a river that flow through it. Federal law can play a role in matters like navigation and interstate commerce, but it does not replace state control over the river segments within each state. So the statement that matches this situation is that each state has jurisdiction over the portion within its boundaries.