Constitutional Clauses

Commerce Clause

Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes.

War Powers Clause

Congress has the power to declare war.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Congress can make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution its powers, also referred to as the Elastic Clause.

Emoluments Clause

Generally prohibits federal officeholders from receiving gifts, payments, or titles of nobility from foreign states or their representatives.

Ex Post Facto Clause

Prohibits Congress from punishing someone for a crime committed before it was deemed a crime.

Bill of Attainder Clause

Prohibits Congress from passing a law that singles out someone for punishment without a trial.

Contracts Clause

Prohibits states from passing laws that impair the obligation of contracts or that make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts.

Vesting Clause

The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States.

Take Care Clause

The president shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

Full Faith & Credit Clause

Court rulings, records, and government documents must be recognized from state to state.

Privileges & Immunities Clause

States have to enforce laws equally to citizens and non-citizens within their state.

Extradition Clause

If a person flees to another state to escape punishment, the governor can demand their extradition back to the state where the crime was committed.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws made under it are the supreme law of the land, prioritizing federal law over state and local laws.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the federal government from establishing a national religion or favoring one religion over another.

Free Exercise Clause

Prohibits the federal government from interfering with the practice of one's religion.

Takings Clause

Private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation, also known as the eminent domain clause.

Due Process Clause

No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Equal Protection Clause

No state shall deny any person under US jurisdiction equal protection of the laws.