Final answer:
The Interstate Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate commerce between the states. Broad interpretations of this clause have allowed a wide range of federal economic regulations, although the Supreme Court has sometimes set limits to preserve states' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Interstate Commerce Clause is an article in the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the exclusive power to regulate commerce between the states. This clause, found in Article I, Section 8, allows Congress to regulate business activities "among the states." The commerce clause has been interpreted broadly over the years, which enables Congress to enact a wide range of economic regulations, addressing everything from minimum wage laws to environmental protections. However, the Supreme Court has sometimes imposed limits on this power, particularly when federal legislation encroaches on areas traditionally managed by the states, such as education and public safety.
Notably, the Necessary and Proper Clause also grants Congress the authority to pass laws considered "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers, including those related to regulating interstate commerce. The federal government's power under the commerce clause also ties into the supremacy clause, which asserts that federal law takes precedence over state law in the event of a conflict. As such, the commerce clause has been a foundational component empowering the federal government to manage various aspects of interstate and national economic activity.