Key Constitutional Clauses and Powers for U.S. Government

Advice and Consent

Terms in the Constitution describing the U.S. Senate's power to review and approve treaties and presidential appointments.

Commerce Clause

Clause stating that Congress can regulate interstate and international commerce.

Confronation Clause

Gives criminal defendants the right to confront witnesses testifying against them in court

Compulsory process

Right to obtain witnesses for defense.

Compact Clause

Forbids states from entering into a treaty or alliance with another state or foreign nation without congressional approval

Procedural Due Process

procedural laws that protect the rights of individuals who must deal with the legal system

Substantive due process

Constitutional requirement that governments act reasonably and that the substance of the laws themselves be fair and reasonable; limits what a government may do.

Foreign Emoluments Clause

This clause of the Constitution restricts members of the government from receiving gifts, payments, offices or titles from foreign states and monarchies without the consent of the US Congress.

Domestic Emoluments Clause

Presidents cant accept other money rather than their salary- don't take bribes

Equal Protection Clause

14th amendment clause that prohibits states from denying equal protection under the law, and has been used to combat discrimination

Establishment Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.

Extradition Clause

An accused person who flees to another state must be returned to the state in which he/she allegedly committed the crime.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state

Faithful Execution Clause

President must ensure that all laws are enforced

Free Exercise Clause

A First Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.

General Welfare Clause

Gives Congress the power to tax to provide for the general welfare

Necessary and Proper Clause

constitutional authorization for Congress to make any law required to carry out its powers

Privileges and Immunities Clause

prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is supreme over state law

Taking Clause

Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.