Articles and Amendments Flashcards
Provides that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The First Amendment
Gives citizens the right to bear arms.
The Second Amendment
prohibits the government from quartering troops in private homes, a major grievance during the American Revolution.
The Third Amendment
protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. The government may not conduct any searches without a warrant, and such warrants must be issued by a judge and based on probable cause.
The Fourth Amendment
provides that citizens not be subject to criminal prosecution and punishment without due process. Citizens may not be tried on the same set of facts twice and are protected from self-incrimination (the right to remain silent). The amendment also establishes the power of eminent domain, ensuring that private property is not seized for public use without just compensation.
The Fifth Amendment
Assures the right to a speedy trial by a jury of one’s peers, to be informed of the crimes with which one is charged, and to confront the witnesses brought forward by the government. The amendment also provides the accused the right to compel testimony from witnesses, as well as the right to legal representation.
The Sixth Amendment
provides that civil cases preserve the right to trial by jury.
The Seventh Amendment
prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments
The Eighth Amendment
states that the list of rights enumerated in the Constitution is not exhaustive, and that the people retain all rights not enumerated.
The Ninth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment
assigns all powers not delegated to the United States, or prohibited to the States, to either the States or to the people.
A convention of delegates from all the states except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May of 1787. Known as the Constitutional Convention, at this meeting it was decided that the best solution to the young country’s problems was to set aside the Articles of Confederation and write a new constitution.
The Constitutional Convention
Why a Constitution?
A chief aim of the Constitution as drafted by the Convention was to create a government with enough power to act on a national level, but without so much power that fundamental rights would be at risk.
After approval has been granted under a state’s own internal procedures, it will notify the other parties that they consent to be bound by the treaty. This is called ratification. The treaty is now officially binding on the state.
Ratification
the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government.
The Bill of Rights
Article I (1)
Legislative Branch
