Clauses and Processes- AP exam review

necessary and proper clause

Also known as the elastic clause, it allows Congress to make laws required to carry out its enumerated powers, thus providing flexibility in legislative authority.

supremacy clause

Establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws when there is a conflict.

equal protection clause

A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment (and 5th amendment) to the United States Constitution that mandates individuals be treated equally under the law, prohibiting discrimination.

selective incorporation

The legal doctrine that ensures that certain protections stated in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Due process clause

the idea that the united states cannot just put you in jail: investigation, trial, court, appeal,

Prior restraint

the government's prohibition on speech or publication before it occurs, often seen as a violation of the First Amendment.

Commerce clause

a provision in the United States Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce and trade.

Free exercise clause

a part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from interfering with individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

popular sovereignty

the principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.