Under which constitutional clause is the commerce power derived?

The commerce power of the federal government is derived from the Commerce Clause, which is explicitly stated in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. This clause grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. The framers included this clause to ensure a unified economic environment across state lines, enabling Congress to address issues that could not be effectively managed by individual states acting independently.

The significance of the Commerce Clause extends beyond just trade; it has been interpreted broadly by the courts to encompass a wide range of economic activities that may have an impact on interstate commerce, thereby enabling the federal government to enact legislation affecting various aspects of the economy. This has allowed for the expansion of federal power, particularly in areas related to civil rights, labor laws, and environmental regulations.

Other options refer to important constitutional principles, but they do not specifically relate to the source of commerce power. For example, the Elastic Clause allows Congress to create laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers but does not directly address commerce. The Supremacy Clause establishes the dominance of federal law over state law, while the Necessary and Proper Clause supports the Elastic Clause by providing Congress with the means to fulfill its duties, but again,