Key Constitutional Clauses

Bill of Attainder

Congress cannot pass a law singling out a person for punishment without trial

Contracts Clause

States cannot pass laws voiding or impairing contracts (including debt)

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate trade between nations, states, and Indian tribes

Due Process, 5th Amendment

Government must observe fair procedures when depriving a person of life, liberty, or property

Due Process, 14th Amendment

State governments must observe the fair procedures of the 5th amendment

Elastic Clause

Congress can exercise non-stated power in a "necessary and proper" manner while executing expressed powers

Equal protection Clause, 14th Amendment

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against individuals

Establishment Clause, 1st Amendment

Congress cannot establish an official religion; effectively separation of church and state

Ex Post Facto Clause

People cannot be retroactively punished for something that was not a crime at the time

Extradition Clause

A person who flees a state after committing crime must be returned

Free Exercise Clause, 1st Amendment

Congress cannot ban freedom of worship

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must recognize the validity of the acts, records, court decisions, etc of other states

Preamble

Defines the constitution's purpose: form a more perfect union; establish justice; ensure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare; secure liberty to posterity (6)

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against citizens of other states

Search and Seizure Clause, 4th Amendment

Authorities can only search in accordance with proper procedures (warrants)

Reserved Powers Clause, 10th Amendment

Powers not granted to the national government or denied from the states, are automatically the state's

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is supreme over state law

Takings Clause, 5th Amendment

The government can take private property, but must provide fair compensation