In the case of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), Chief Justice John Marshall provided a broad interpretation of what constitutes "commerce" under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. He defined commerce not just as the buying and selling of goods, but as all forms of economic activity that involve the exchange of goods and services across state lines.
Marshall emphasized that commerce includes not only the transportation of goods but also the navigation and communication that facilitate trade. He argued that this expansive view of commerce allows the federal government to regulate activities that may have a substantial effect on interstate commerce, ensuring a uniform economic system across state lines.
Ultimately, Marshall's opinion underscored the importance of a strong federal role in regulating interstate commerce, laying the groundwork for future interpretations of the Commerce Clause and its application in various economic contexts.