Constitution Flashcards
What is Article 2?
Creates the Executive Branch
Republicanism
Citizens elect officials to make decisions for them
10th Amendment
Power reserved to the states
5th Amendment
Right to due process, protection against self-incrimation and double jeopardy
Amendments 11-27
Other Amendments are added (1795 - 1992)
4th Amendment
Protection against searches without warrants
What are the 3 parts of the Constitution?
- Preamble
- Amendments
- Articles
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The first Constitution of the United States that was adopted in 1777 and not ratified by all 13 states until 1781
What is Article 3?
Creates the Judicial Branch
What is an Amendment?
A change to a legal document such as the Constitution
Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit actions or “check” the other branches
What is the preamble?
The introduction of the Constitution
Difference between the Constitution and Articles of Confederation
The Constitution had a stronger central government and the Articles had a weaker central government
What was a problem with the Articles of Confederation?
- Weak central government
9th Amendment
Other rights of the people
How are the Declaration, Constitution, and BoR connected?
The Declaration declared independence for America while the constitution helped form the government and the BoR is part of the constiution
What is Article 5?
Describes process of amending the Constitution
3rd Amendment
No (forced) quartering of soldiers
What is Article 6?
Explains that federal law is held above state local law
1st Amendment
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
What is Article 7?
Describes ratification of Congress
What are Amendments 1-10 also known as?
Bill of Rights
Seperation of Powers
Distribution of government’s powers into different branches
7th Amendment
Right to a jury in civil cases
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
A group of people that wanted to create a strongr central government under a new constitution
What is Article 1?
Creates the Legislature Branch
2nd Amendment
Right to bear arms
8th Amendment
Freedom from excessive bail, cruel, and unusual punishments
6th Amendment
Right to a fair and speedy trial
Limited Government
The government must follow the law
Popular Sovereignty
The people “give” the government power
What is the difference between the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the BoR?
- The Declaration: Declared Independence for America
- Constitution: Helped form America’s government
- BoR: Part of the Constitution (First 10 Amendments)
What is the Connecticut Compromise?
An agreement that there would be 2 forms of representation: House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (equal representation)
What is Article 4?
States have the power to create their own laws