Constitutional Clauses Relevant to Women

The following clauses can be taught in civics courses. Read more about their pedagogical connections to women & gender studies

• Preamble: The preamble provides the purpose of government. Working to enshrine constitutional gender equality can make our union more perfect as mentioned in this section

• Commerce Clause: The commerce clause can be found in Article I, Section 8 and is an important enumerated power of Congress. 

• Necessary & Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): Article 1, Section 8

• Full Faith and Credit Clause: Relevant to marriage and divorce state laws

• Privileges and Immunities Clause: Article IV, Section 2

• Supremacy Clause: Article VI Supreme Law of the Land

• Establishment Clause: 1st Amendment

• Free Exercise Clause of the 1st Amendment

• Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment

• Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment: Most important constitutional clause to protect women & LGBTQ+ rights