Which constitutional provision authorizes Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes?

Which constitutional provision authorizes Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes?

• A. Commerce Clause
• B. Establishment Clause
• C. Due Process Clause
• D. Elastic Clause

Answer: (A)

The power being tested is the federal government’s authority to regulate trade and economic activity across borders. The provision that does this is the Commerce Clause, which is in the Constitution’s Article I, Section 8. It explicitly authorizes Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes. This explicit wording is why it’s the correct answer: it directly grants the federal government the power to oversee interstate and international trade, as well as trade with Native American nations. The Establishment Clause deals with religion, the Due Process Clause protects fair treatment and fundamental rights, and the Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to do what’s necessary to execute its enumerated powers, but it is not the specific source that gives authority to regulate commerce.

The power being tested is the federal government’s authority to regulate trade and economic activity across borders. The provision that does this is the Commerce Clause, which is in the Constitution’s Article I, Section 8. It explicitly authorizes Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes. This explicit wording is why it’s the correct answer: it directly grants the federal government the power to oversee interstate and international trade, as well as trade with Native American nations. The Establishment Clause deals with religion, the Due Process Clause protects fair treatment and fundamental rights, and the Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to do what’s necessary to execute its enumerated powers, but it is not the specific source that gives authority to regulate commerce.