Key Constitutional Clauses AP Gov

Bill of Attainder clause Article 1, s9, clause 3

Congress cannot pass laws that sends someone to a punishment w/o trial

Commerce Clause Article 1, s8, clause 3

Congress has power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, states, and tribes.

Contracts Clause Article 1, s10, clause 1

States can’t interfere with contracts (thru laws)

Due Process clause, 5th Amendment

National Government must be fair when it comes to peoples life, liberty, property.

Due Process Clause, 14th Amendment

States must be fair when they take away life, liberty, or property

Elastic Clause Article 1, s8, clause 18

Congress can use powers not explicitly stated in the constitution if they are necessary and proper and are to carry out duties already mentioned

Equal Protection Clause, 14th Amendment

States cannot unreasonably descriminate against ppl

Establishment Clause, 1st Amendment

Congress cannot make an official religion; separation of church and state

Ex post facto, article 1, s9, clause 3

Can’t punish ppl retroactively

Extradition clause, article 4, s2, clause 2

An accused person found in another state must return to the state where they were accused

Free exercise clause 1st Amendment

Congress cannot make laws banning worship

Full faith and credit clause article 4, s1

States must recognize documents from residents of other states (ex: drivers license in AL is valid in CO)

Privileges and Immunities clause, article 4, s2, clause 1

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against residents of other states

Reserved powers clause 10th Amendment

Any power not granted to the national government or denied to states is given to them automatically

Search and Seizure Clause 4th Amendment

Authorities cannot arrest ppl at any time

Supremacy Clause Article 5, clause 2

Federal law > state law

Takings clause 5th Amendment

govt can take private property for a public reason, but the owners must be compensated appropriately