What is the purpose of the Commerce Clause?

• A. To regulate trade within a single state
• B. To regulate trade among the states
• C. To regulate commerce with foreign nations only
• D. To regulate banking

Answer: (B)

Interstate trade regulation is the core idea. The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to regulate trade that crosses state lines, with the goal of creating a single national market and preventing states from imposing conflicting or protectionist rules that disrupt the flow of goods and services. While the clause also mentions regulating commerce with foreign nations and with Indian tribes, the main purpose most directly described in this context is to manage and standardize trade among the states, ensuring that commerce can move freely across state borders. This framework has been used to justify a wide range of federal regulations that affect activities tied to interstate commerce.