Constitutional clauses flce

Federalist arguments

• Supported the new Constitution.

• Wanted a strong central (federal) government.

• Believed it would keep order, protect the nation, and fix problems under the weak Articles of Confederation.

• Said separation of powers would prevent tyranny.

Anti-federalist arguments

• Opposed the Constitution at first.

• Feared a strong national government could become too powerful and take away rights.

• Wanted more power left to the states.

• Demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms before approving the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws are the highest law and override state laws.

Full faith and credit clause

States must respect the public acts, records, and court rulings of other states.

Commerce clause

Congress can regulate trade with foreign nations, between states, and with Native tribes.

Due process clause

The government cannot take life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.

Equal protection clause

States must treat all people equally under the law.

Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

Congress can make any laws needed to carry out its listed powers.