constitutional clauses

Bill of Attainder Clause

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

Commerce Clause

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

Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

State governments must observe fair procedures when they deny a person of life, liberty, or property.

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

States cannot unreasonably discriminate against individuals. They must treat people "equally".

Establishment Clause (1st Amendment)

Congress cannot establish an "official" religion. This, in effect, provides for separation of church and state.

Ex Post Facto Clause

Congress cannot pass a law that punishes a person after the fact. A person cannot be punished for something he/she did that was not a crime committed.

Extradition Clause

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

Free Exercise Clause (1st Amendment)

Congress cannot pass laws that ban freedom of worship.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

a state must recognize the validity of the public acts, records, and court decisions of other states

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Congress can exercise powers not specifically stated in the Constitution if those powers are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its expressed powers that are specifically stated.

Privileges and Immunities

Clause a state can't unreasonably discriminate against citizens of other states

Search and Seizure Clause (4th Amendment)

Authorities don't have the general power to search and arrest individuals at anytime/anyplace; no unreasonable searches/seizures; no searches/seizures without warrant obtained with "probable cause"

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is supreme over state law.