What defines interstate commerce?

Interstate commerce refers to the buying, selling, and trading of goods and services across state lines—specifically, it involves commerce that takes place between two or more states. This definition is rooted in the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states to ensure a unified national economic system. Recognizing that commerce can affect states differently, the federal government plays a role in overseeing this aspect of trade to prevent trade barriers that could arise from state regulations.

In contrast, options that describe commerce occurring within the boundaries of a single state, international trade, or state regulations on trading focus on other aspects of trade. These do not encapsulate the essence of interstate commerce, which specifically concerns economic activities that cross state borders. Understanding this distinction is key for anyone in public works management, particularly when addressing regulatory compliance and economic development initiatives that may impact multiple states.