Which of the following describes a commerce power that is held by both the state governments and the federal government
Concurrent power.
The power described is known as "concurrent commerce power".
The commerce power that is held by both state governments and the federal government is known as "concurrent" commerce power. This means that both the federal and state governments have the authority to regulate commerce within their respective jurisdictions.
To understand this concept in more detail, let's break down how to arrive at this answer:
1. Start by understanding the concept of commerce power: Commerce power refers to the authority of the government to regulate economic activities and transactions, such as trade, transportation, and business operations.
2. Recognize the division of powers under the United States Constitution: The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of federalism, which means that governmental powers are divided between the federal government and the state governments. The Constitution grants certain powers exclusively to the federal government (known as enumerated powers), while others are reserved for the states. However, some powers can be shared or held concurrently by both levels of government.
3. Identify the powers granted to the federal government: Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states (also known as the Interstate Commerce Clause). This power allows the federal government to regulate economic activities that cross state borders, ensuring interstate commerce functions smoothly.
4. Consider the powers retained by the states: The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This means that the states also possess inherent authority to regulate certain aspects of commerce within their own borders.
5. Recognize the concurrent nature of commerce power: As a result of the division of powers, both the federal government and the state governments have the power to regulate commerce within their jurisdictions. This shared authority is known as concurrent commerce power. This allows for a cooperative relationship between the federal and state governments in regulating various aspects of economic activity.
In summary, the commerce power held by both the state governments and the federal government is referred to as concurrent commerce power. This means that both levels of government have the authority to regulate commerce within their respective jurisdictions, with the federal government overseeing interstate commerce and the states regulating commerce within their own borders.