Describe the "commerce clause" in the Constitution.

The commerce clause is found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution and explicitly empowers Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. This clause is significant as it provides the federal government with the authority to manage and facilitate trade and economic interactions that cross state boundaries, thereby creating a unified national market.

The broad interpretation of this clause has had profound implications throughout U.S. history, allowing for the enactment of various federal laws that impact economic activity and trade, including regulations on transportation, trade practices, and even civil rights laws to ensure equal access to markets. Given its central role in the development of federal economic policy and interstate relations, option B accurately captures the essence and purpose of the commerce clause.