Constitutional Clauses

Bills of Attainder

Congress cannot pass a law that singles out a person for punishment without trial.

Commerce Clause

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

Contracts Clause

No state can interfere with the execution of contracts, preventing laws that declare debts null and void.

Due Process Clause (5th)

The national government must observe fair procedures when denying a person life, liberty, or property.

Due Process Clause (14th)

State governments must observe procedures when denying a person life, liberty, or property.

Elastic Clause

Congress can exercise powers not specifically stated in the Constitution if necessary and proper for carrying out expressed powers.

Equal Protection Clause

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against individuals and must treat people equally.

Establishment Clause

Congress cannot establish an official religion, ensuring the separation of church and state.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Congress cannot punish a person retroactively for an act that was not a crime when committed.

Extradition Clause

An accused person who flees to another state must be returned to the state of the alleged crime.

Free Exercise Clause

Congress cannot pass laws that restrict freedom of worship.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must recognize the validity of public acts, records, and court decisions of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against citizens of other states.

Reserved Power Clause

Powers not granted to the national government or denied to states revert to the states.

Search and Seizure Clause

Protection against unreasonable search and seizure, requiring authorities to follow specified and reasonable procedures.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is supreme over state law.

Takings Clause

Government can take private property for public use but must provide fair compensation to the owners.