Commerce Clause jurisprudence

The Commerce Clause is a part of the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce—business and trade that cross state lines. Jurisprudence around it refers to how courts interpret this power over time. Generally, courts have held that Congress can regulate a wide range of economic activities affecting interstate commerce, even if they are local, as long as there's a substantial connection to interstate trade. Over time, decisions have balanced federal authority with states' rights, shaping the scope of federal regulation in areas like labor, environment, and civil rights.