What power did the Commercial Compromise grant to Congress?

The Commercial Compromise, part of the larger negotiations at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, granted Congress the ability to regulate both foreign and interstate commerce. This was a crucial power because it allowed the federal government to control trade and establish a uniform economic policy, which was essential for a growing nation that needed to manage its trade relationships and economic interactions with other states as well as foreign nations.

The inclusion of this power was key in alleviating concerns from various states regarding unrestricted commerce and competition. By empowering Congress specifically in this way, the framers aimed to provide a framework that would help avoid trade disputes between states, promote economic stability, and encourage a more integrated national market.

This regulation ensures that Congress can establish tariffs, control trade routes, and negotiate trade agreements, which are all critical for the economic health of the country. Furthermore, this compromise reflects a balance between the need for a strong central government to manage complex economic issues and the states' desire to maintain some level of autonomy.