Constittounal Clauses Flashcards
(16 cards)
commerce clause
Meaning: Congress can regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.
Why it matters: Used to expand federal power (like civil rights laws or drug laws)
War Powers Clause
Meaning: Only Congress can declare war.
Why it matters: Limits the president’s war powers
elastic clause
Meaning: Congress can make laws needed to carry out its listed powers.
Why it matters: Allows for implied powers (like creating a national bank)
emoluents clause
Meaning: Federal officials can’t accept gifts or titles from foreign governments.
Why it matters: Prevents corruption and foreign influence
ex post facto clause
refers to a law or policy that is applied retroactively—meaning it affects actions that occurred before the law or policy was put into place
bill of attainder clause
The Bill of Attainder Clause is a provision in the U.S. Constitution that prohibits Congress and state legislatures from passing laws that single out individuals or groups for punishment without a trial
contracts clause
Meaning: States can’t interfere with private contracts.
Why it matters: Limits state power over economic matters.
executive powers clause
Meaning: All executive power belongs to the president.
Why it matters: Defines the president’s role as head of the executive branch.
Take care clause
Meaning: The president must enforce all laws.
Why it matters: Prevents selective law enforcement.
full faith and credit clause
Meaning: States must recognize each other’s laws and official documents.
Why it matters: Keeps legal consistency across states.
privilleges and immunites clause
Meaning: States must treat out-of-state citizens fairly.
Why it matters: Prevents discrimination based on state residency.
extradition clause
Meaning: States must return fugitives to the state where the crime was committed.
Why it matters: Ensures justice across state lines.
supremacy clause
Meaning: Federal law overrides state law.
Why it matters: Federal laws are the supreme law of the land.
establishment clause
Meaning: The government can’t establish or favor a religion.
Why it matters: Basis for separation of church and state.
Free Exercise clause
Meaning: You can freely practice your religion.
Why it matters: Protects religious actions as well as beliefs.
takings clause
Meaning: Government must give fair payment if it takes private property for public use.
Why it matters: Protects property rights.
