Final answer:
The Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution empowers Congress to regulate commerce with certain limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measure that empowered Congress to regulate commerce with certain limitations is known as the Commerce Clause. This clause is found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which provides Congress with the authority to "regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with Indian Tribes."
Over time, the Supreme Court has offered a broad interpretation of the Commerce Clause, allowing Congress to expand its power significantly, particularly in regard to activities that cross state lines, including environmental and consumer protections. However, this power is not without its constraints.
One high-profile instance of the Supreme Court's restraint involved the United States v. Lopez case in 1995, where for the first time in decades, the Court ruled a law unconstitutional based on overstepping the Commerce Clause. This trend continued with later cases, signaling a possible rollback of Congress's regulatory powers.