This part of the Constitution focuses on the limits of Congress and what it is prohibited from doing.
Article I, Section 9
The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
The Writ of Habeas Corpus offers people detained or imprisoned by the government the right to challenge the legality of their detention or imprisonment. Ensuring that people are not generally deprived of their liberty without due process of the law, except in extreme circumstances.
Instead of authorizing Congress to suspend habeas corpus, the suspension clause limits its authority to do so. It has only been suspended during four distinct periods in the United States’ history.
Clause 4 puts limits on Congress’ ability to levy taxes, requiring any direct tax imposed on individuals must be apportioned among the states according to their population. However, this clause was superseded by the Sixteenth Amendment, which authorized Congress to levy an income tax.
Clause 7 grants the power of the purse to Congress, which gives it the authority to control the federal government’s taxes and spending and to determine how to disburse its money. A failure to use funds appropriated by Congress for certain purposes may be challenged as improper encroachment on Congress’ authority.
