What do police powers allow states to do?

Police powers allow states to pass laws that affect public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of their residents. This includes the authority to create regulations that safeguard the well-being of citizens, such as health codes, zoning laws, and laws aimed at ensuring public safety. These powers are rooted in the idea that states have a responsibility to protect the interests and welfare of their people.

The other choices involve functions that are not typically associated with police powers. For example, regulating interstate commerce is primarily a federal responsibility, as established by the Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution. Overruling federal laws contradicts the Supremacy Clause, which prioritizes federal laws over state laws in conflicts. Lastly, discrimination against citizens from other states would violate the Privileges and Immunities Clause, which aims to ensure that citizens of one state are treated equally to those of another state. The correct understanding of police powers centers on states' rights to legislate for the benefit of public health and safety.