What is the Commerce Clause?

The Commerce Clause is found in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution and grants Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce. This provision is fundamental to the power of the federal government to oversee trade between states, as well as international trade and commerce that affects multiple states. The intent behind this clause is to create a uniform and manageable regulatory framework that promotes economic stability and prevents states from enacting protectionist policies that could disrupt trade.

This power has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court over the years, allowing for a wide range of federal regulations that can impact not just the movement of goods across state lines but also economic activities that have a substantial effect on interstate commerce. Notable cases, such as Wickard v. Filburn and Gonzales v. Raich, have underscored the far-reaching implications of the Commerce Clause in federal regulatory power.

In contrast, the other options present misunderstandings of the clause's role. For example, it does not solely pertain to international trade or place control over interstate commerce in the hands of states, nor does it restrict Congress from regulating commerce. Instead, the Commerce Clause specifically empowers Congress, laying the foundation for a centralized approach to managing economic interactions in the United States.