Lesson 11: Miscellaneous Limitations on Government Powers

Question 1

Ex Post Facto Law

Answer 1

An ex post facto law is one that retroactively alters the law in a substantially prejudicial manner, so as to deprive a person of any right previously enjoyed, for the purpose of punishing the person for some past activity. Article I, Section 9, Clause 3 and Article I, Section 10, clause 1 of the the Constitution prohibit both the federal government and the states from enacting such laws.

Question 2

Contract Clause

Answer 2

Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution provides that no state shall pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts.

Question 3

Prohibition Against Involuntary Servitude

Answer 3

The Thirteenth Amendment prohibits all forms of slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party has been duly convicted.

Question 4

Bill of Attainder

Answer 4

A bill of attainder is a legislative act that imposes punishment on named persons, or on an easily ascertainable group of persons, for past or future conduct without a judicial trial.