Limits on the powers of Congress
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
1 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.
2 The Privilege of the shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
3 No or shall be passed.
4 No , or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or herein before directed to be taken.
5 No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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, , Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Note (Government Publishing Office): This clause has been affected by amendment XVI.
Simplified explanation
This section limits the national government: habeas corpus may not be suspended except in rebellion or invasion; no bills of attainder or ex post facto laws; no direct tax unless apportioned; no export taxes; no money drawn without appropriations; no titles of nobility.