What three clauses within the U.S. Constitution aim to protect individual liberties and limit power of the federal government?(1 point) Responses
A. habeas corpus and prohibition of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws
B. retaliation, punishment, and criminal charges
C. rebellion, invasion, and tyranny
D. the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
A. habeas corpus and prohibition of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws
The correct answer is A. "habeas corpus and prohibition of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws".
The correct answer is A. The three clauses within the U.S. Constitution that aim to protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government are habeas corpus and the prohibition of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws.
To arrive at this answer, you can analyze the U.S. Constitution and specifically look for clauses related to the protection of individual liberties and the limitation of federal power. Let's break down each of these clauses:
1. Habeas Corpus: This clause, found in Article I, Section 9, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, states that "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." Habeas Corpus is a legal principle that ensures a person's right to challenge their detention or imprisonment. By including this clause, the Constitution aims to protect individuals from unlawful and arbitrary imprisonment by the federal government.
2. Prohibition of Bills of Attainder: This clause can be found in Article I, Section 9, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed." A Bill of Attainder is a legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime without a trial. This clause prohibits the federal government from passing such laws, which would violate individual rights and due process.
3. Prohibition of Ex Post Facto Laws: Found in the same clause as the previous one, this clause states that "No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed." An ex post facto law is a law that retroactively criminalizes an action, making it punishable even if it was legal when it was committed. By prohibiting ex post facto laws, the Constitution protects individuals from being punished for actions that were legal at the time they were performed.
By understanding the purpose and intent of these clauses, as well as conducting a careful analysis of the U.S. Constitution, you can determine that option A, habeas corpus and the prohibition of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws, is the correct answer.