Key Constitutional Clauses

Bill of Attainder Clause

Congress cannot single out a person for punishment without a trial

Commerce Clause

Clause stating that Congress can regulate interstate and international commerce.

Contracts Clause

No state can interfere with the execution of contracts

Due Process Clause

part of the 14th Amendment which guarantees that no state deny basic rights to its people

Elastic Clause

the part of the Constitution that permits Congress to make any laws "necessary and proper" to carrying out its powers

14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause

Constitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally-14th amendment

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.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

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

Privileges & Immunities Clause

constitutional clause that prevents states from discriminating against people from out of state

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is supreme over state law

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolition of slavery w/o compensation for slave-owners

19th Amendment (1920)

Women gain the right to vote