The Constitution has key clauses, or important parts, that give specific powers or functions to the national government. Describe the purposes of the following clauses, and explain why each is important.

Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 – the commerce clause
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 – the necessary and proper clause
Article IV, Clause 2 – the supremacy clause
Article VI, Section 1 – the full faith and credit clause

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution states the powers of Congress. The Clauses in the Section have their purpose and importance.

Clause 3 of the Article states that Congress has the power to "regulate commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes". This Clause is the most essential power of Congress. The purpose of this clause is to give Congress powers to make laws to regulate the exchange of commodities internationally and within states. It is important as it strengthens the power of Congress to pass legislation for the benefit of the nation's economy. This Clause also empowers Congress to make laws for the protection of manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.

Clause 18 of the Article states that Congress shall "make laws which shall be necessary and proper...". This Clause is a fundamental power of Congress. It is in my opinion, the Omnibus clause i.e an extension of the powers of Congress. It is important as it empowers Congress to make new legislation to help the other powers clearly stated in the Article and to also establish bodies in the government. The purpose of this clause is that it creates an easy way to effectively carry out the powers spelled out.

Article IV, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution is known as the Supremacy Clause. It is responsible for the creation of Federal laws which the Clause also states will always come before the state laws. It serves the purpose of ensuring non-interference of the Federal powers or laws by the state government. It is important as it creates some sort of balance in how the Federal and State governments function.

Article VI, Section 1 of the United States Constitution provides that "Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other state". This provision of the Constitution targets the Judicial branch of the government. The purpose of this Clause is to give powers to the court to assume jurisdiction over matters or issues that arose outside the state. It helps to identify which laws of a state will be used when issues arise between two states. It also serves the purpose of ensuring states honour the decisions of the court from another state. It is important because it gives adequate recognition to the laws and court decisions in different states to ensure they are respected and duly followed. It also strengthens states judicial relationship.

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