What weakness made it impossible to regulate a cross-country railroad?

Answer 1

One significant weakness that made it difficult to regulate a cross-country railroad was the lack of federal authority and standardized regulations over interstate commerce at the time. The railroads often operated in multiple states, creating jurisdictional challenges that hindered effective oversight. Additionally, the powerful lobbying efforts of railroad companies sometimes influenced legislation, complicating regulatory efforts further. This combination of legal limitations and corporate influence resulted in a fragmented and ineffective regulatory environment.