Constitution Flashcards
(34 cards)
Article 1
Legislative branch. Establishes congress as the law making body of the government
Article 2
Executive branch. Establishes the president as the head of the executive branch of the federal gov. Gives pres. powers and responsibilities.
Article 3
Judicial branch. Establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land, with the power to interpret and apply the Constitution and federal laws.
Article 4
State’s relations. Outlines the relationship between states and the federal government including rules for admitting states to the Union.
Article 5
Amendment process. Outlines the process for amending the constitution, which requires 2/3 of congress’ approval and 3/4 states’ approval.
Article 6
National Supremacy. Establishes the Constitution as the Supreme law of the land, and requires state judges to uphold federal laws.
Article 7
Ratification. Outlines the process for ratifying the Constitution. In the past, 9/13 states were required to do this.
1st Amendment
Establishes freedom of speech, press, peaceful assembly, religion, press, and petition against the gov.
2nd Amendment
Establishes U.S citizens right to bear arms.
3rd Amendment
Prohibits the gov from Quartering soldiers in people’s homes during times of peace, without their consent
4th Amendment
Probits the gov. from issuing unreasonable searches and seizures. Grants people the right to feel safe and secure in their homes and possessions.
5th Amendment
Double jeopardy amendment. Establishes the concept that those tried and acquitted for a crime cannot be tried for the same crime.
6th Amendment
Grants all citizens the right to a speedy, public, and fair trial. This includes the right to an impartial jury and defense counsel in their favor.
7th Amendment
Gives the right for any claimant to take a matter to court and trial by jury
8th Amendment
Bans the government from imposing excessive bail or inflicting cruel and unusual punishment for a crime.
9th Amendment
Clarifies that U.S citizens have other rights that aren’t enumerated or explicitly stated in the Constitution
10th Amendment
Separates state and federal law. Explains that the federal gov. only has the power assigned to it via the constitution, while the states have power over everything else.
11th Amendment
Grants citizens the right to sue a state but only if they are a citizen of the state they are suing.
12th Amendment
Lays out all of the laws for how the President and Vice President progress through the nomination and election process. Also lays out the requirements for becoming a president.
13th Amendment
Establishes the abolition of slavery.
14th Amendment
Equal Protection Clause. States that people who are born or naturalized in the U.S, are citizens of the U.S. This right cannot be damaged or taken away by state law.
15th Amendment
States that any U.S citizen has the right to vote, regardless of skin color or race.
16th Amendment
Allowed Congress to start collecting income tax, with the promise that it wouldn’t be based on the state’s population.
17th Amendment
Lays out the terms for electing senators. This gave power to the people of the U.S to choose their representatives, and laid out senators terms of office.