Key Clauses

Ex Post Facto

congress cannot pass a law that punishes a person retroactively (“after the fact”)

Commerce Clause

Congress controls all external and internal trade

Due Process

no one can be deprived of their natural rights and if they do, there must be fair procedures

Necessary and Proper (AKA Elastic) Clause

Congress can use powers not necessarily stated in the Constitution, as long as it helps nation under the implied powers

Equal Protection Clause

Government must treat everyone equally under the law

Establishment Clause

Congress can’t pass a law that promotes or bans religions. Allows all people to have their own faith.

Free Exercise Clause

Free religion practice

People can change their beliefs

Extradition Clause

If an accused person flees to another state (and caught) they must be sent back to the state where the crime was committed

Full Faith and Credit Clause

State laws are honored in other states

ex) 15 year old from MI can drive in PA

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States can’t discriminate against people from other states

Reserved Powers Clause

what is not directly given to the U.S. is given to state/local governments

Searches and Seizures Clause

Good reason, probable clause, and warrants are required to investigate properties

Supremacy Clause

The Federal Law takes precedent over state law

Takings Clause

Government can’t use private property unless fair compensation is given

i.e. eminent domain