Time Zoning Out
Critical Analysis
Based on the visual above, how many time zones are in the continental United States?
Based on the visual above, how many time zones are in the continental United States and its territories?
Based on the visual above, how many states are in multiple time zones?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a period of the year between spring and fall when clocks in most parts of the United States are set one hour ahead of standard time. DST begins on the second Sunday in March (just happened!) and ends on the first Sunday in November. The beginning and ending dates are set in statute (by federal law). Under what authority does Congress have the power to legislate time?
If Congress can change time, could they also use that same constitutional authority to change the length of a day, or the number of days in a week (I vote for 9!), or measures of weight (I would like to cut my weight by 10% please Congress!) and height (make me three meters tall please!)? If so, what creative way would you like for Congress to change the way we measure and define time or other measures?
The United States established standard time zones and DST through the Calder Act, also known as the Standard Time Act of 1918. The issue of consistency in time observance was further clarified by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. These laws as amended allow a state to exempt itself—or parts of the state that lie within a different time zone—from DST observance. These laws as amended also authorize the Department of Transportation (DOT) to regulate standard
time zone boundaries and DST. How does this scenario illustrate the concept of checks and balances?At least 45 states have considered or passed legislation to shift to permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. And this year the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would move the US to permanent daylight saving time. But the bill has not received a vote in the House of Representatives. How does this illustrate the concept of bicameralism?
In 2021, the Democratic controlled Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act - a bill that makes daylight saving time the new, permanent standard time, effective November 5, 2023. The Republican controlled House is could pass the same bill. If you were a House member, explain whether you would vote for the Sunshine Protection Act?
States are allowed to exempt themselves from daylight saving time but cannot set their schedules to it permanently. As of 2022, only Arizona and Hawaii have exempted themselves from the time change. How does this illustrate the concept of federalism?
The issue of Daylight Savings Time may not seem like it would be inherently political or economic. In fact, observation of Daylight Saving Time (DST) leads Americans to drive, shop, and golf more — which benefits the special interests of select billion-dollar industries, mainly retail, golf, tourism, oil, and candy. The petroleum industry noticed a connection between DST and consumer spending as early as 1930, and they’ve lobbied ever since to resurrect DST when it was abolished after World Wars I and II, and to extend its duration beyond just the summer months. The US Chamber of Commerce has also been a longtime promoter of DST, acting on behalf of convenience stores and retailers of outdoor products. The 1980s saw the formation of the National Daylight Saving Time Coalition, comprised of wealthy corporations from the industries of golf, candy, fast food, convenience stores, barbecue equipment, and amusement parks. The Coalition worked closely with legislators to extend DST’s duration (see video below).* It has been said that in today’s zero-sum game, everything is political. Make a claim about whether Daylight Savings Time is political.
Learning Extension
Listen to this short NPR story (below left) about the health hazards of changing our clocks. Watch this CSPAN video (below right) of a legislative hearing on Daylight Savings Time. And check out this interactive web mapping application containing U.S. time zone boundaries.
Action Extension
Contact your U.S. House representative and let them know whether they should vote for the Sunshine Protection Act.