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The Constitution grants this power without imposing significant constraints apart from the restriction against self-pardoning in the context of impeachment. Besides this, the power is largely unrestricted and can be employed to address injustices and promote mercy as deemed necessary by the executive.

What a Pardon Entails

A pardon serves as a specific form of clemency, essentially forgiving a crime and removing associated penalties. A full pardon restores civil rights that may have been lost due to a conviction, such as voting rights and eligibility for public office. However, it does not erase or expunge the criminal record unless explicitly stated by law.