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The commerce clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with the Native American tribes. This clause has significant implications for the relationship between federal and state powers.

When it comes to state powers, the commerce clause serves as a limiting factor. Specifically, it prevents states from enacting laws that would interfere with or obstruct interstate commerce. This is rooted in the idea that a unified national market is necessary for economic growth and that allowing individual states to set their own conflicting regulations would be detrimental to trade and commerce across state lines.

As a result, when Congress exercises its power under the commerce clause, it can preempt state laws that may impact interstate commerce, reinforcing the primacy of federal regulation in this area. This limitation is central to maintaining the overall balance of power between state and federal governments and helps to ensure consistency in the regulation of commerce.

Consequently, the commerce clause does indeed limit state powers, confirming that the federal government's regulatory authority can supersede state legislation when it comes to matters of interstate commerce.