Why are ex post facto laws prohibited by the U.S. Constitution? * They allow Congress to declare war without the President's approval. They punish people for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed. They require citizens to serve in the military during wartime. They allow the government to tax people without representation.

Ex post facto laws are like surprise traps that catch people off-guard! Imagine doing something that was perfectly fine yesterday, only to wake up and find it’s now illegal, with a penalty attached. The framers of the Constitution wanted to prevent this unfairness, ensuring that laws apply to actions at the time they were performed. This protection is part of the Constitution’s commitment to justice and fairness, showcasing the founding fathers’ dedication to individual rights and rule of law. By prohibiting such laws, they aimed to foster a stable legal system where people can confidently understand the boundaries of their actions. So, no unexpected penalties for yesterday’s choices!