Plenary power refers to the complete or absolute authority granted to a governing body over a specific area without limitations, enabling them to exercise significant control and discretion over relevant matters.
This term is frequently used to describe the commerce power of Congress. Under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), Congress is granted full power over interstate commerce. The Court has found ( See: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)) that states are not able to pass laws affecting interstate commerce without the permission of Congress.
Also see plenary authority.
[Last updated in February of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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