Constitutional Clauses

Take Care Clause

The constitutional requirement that presidents take care that the laws are faithfully executed, even if they disagree with the purpose of those laws. The constitutional basis for inherent powers, which states that the president "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." Power of Executive Orders. Art 2 Sec 3

Spending Clause

The provision of the Constitution that gives the federal government the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare and common defense. Article 1 Sec 8

Origination Clause

Bills raising revenues (taxes) must originate in the House of Representatives. Article 1 Sec 2

Advice and Consent Clause

Under the Constitution, presidential nominations for executive and judicial posts take effect only when confirmed by the Senate, and international treaties become effective only when the Senate approves them by a two-thirds vote.

Article II Sec 3

Necessary and Proper Clause

Constitutional clause that gives congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers. Art 1 Sec 8 Cl 18

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Section of Article IV of the Constitution that ensures judicial decrees and contracts made in one state will be binding and enforceable in any other state.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.