Interstate Commerce Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Interstate Commerce, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Interstate Commerce?

It refers to the business, commerce and services between different states of the nation. It also refers to the movement of money and trade between or within state.

History and Meaning of Interstate Commerce

Interstate Commerce is a term that has its origins in the United States Constitution. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gave Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and "among the several states." The concept of interstate commerce has been broadened over time to include not only the movement of goods and people but also communication and other forms of economic activity that cross state boundaries.

Examples of Interstate Commerce

  1. A company based in California sells its products to customers in New York.
  2. A trucking company transports goods from one state to another.
  3. An internet company based in Georgia provides services to clients in Texas.

Legal Terms Similar to Interstate Commerce

  1. Intrastate Commerce - This term refers to commerce that occurs solely within a particular state.
  2. Commerce Clause - The Commerce Clause is the provision in the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.
  3. Federalism - Federalism is the system of government in which power is divided between a central government and individual states. Interpreting and balancing federal and state power is central to understanding the regulation of interstate commerce.