AP Gov Pol Clauses and Doctrines

Necessary and Proper

Gives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary to carry out their constitutional duties; "elastic" clause (Art. I, Sec 8, clause 18)

Full Faith and Credit

Clause in the Constitution (Article 4, Section 1) requiring each state to recognize the civil judgments rendered by the courts of the other states and to accept their public records and acts as valid.

Equal Protection

A clause that is part of the 14th Amendment stating that "no state shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Protected an individual from not only federal laws, but also at the state level.

Establishment and Free Exercise

Religious right protected by first amendment

Reserve Clause

powers reserved for state

Due Process

Fair treatment through the judicial system: The right to a fair and speedy trial judged by an impartial jury of one's peers.

Forgotten Rights

We still have rights not mentioned in the constitution.

Commerce Clause

The clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.

National Supremacy

Constitutional doctrine that whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the federal government will prevail.

Selective Incorporation

A constitutional doctrine that ensures states cannot enact laws that take away the constitutional rights of American citizens that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights

Wall of Separation

court ruling that government cannot be involved with religion