Which clause gives Congress authority to regulate interstate and international commerce?

• A. The Commerce Clause gives Congress authority to regulate interstate trade only.
• B. It grants Congress authority to regulate interstate and international commerce.
• C. It restricts Congress to regulate only agriculture.
• D. It gives states power to regulate commerce within their borders.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the Commerce Clause, which gives Congress authority to regulate trade that crosses state lines and trade with foreign nations. Found in the Constitution, it states that Congress can regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states, covering both interstate and international activities. Because commerce that moves goods and services across borders affects the national economy, federal law can reach many areas of business, transportation, and contracts that cross state or national boundaries. That’s why the correct understanding is that Congress has power over both interstate and international commerce. The other options misstate the scope or who holds the power—the clause does not limit regulation to agriculture, nor does it place that authority in the states.