Constitutional Amendments and Articles

Question 1

1st Amendment

Answer 1

Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, right to petition.
CONGRESS CANNOT:
-Make any law that stops people from practicing their religion.

-Prevent people from freely speaking or writing their opinions (freedom of speech).

-Stop people from gathering peacefully for protests or meetings (freedom of assembly).

-Stop people from asking the government to fix problems (right to petition).

-Limit the freedom of the press to report news or opinions.

Question 2

2nd Amendment

Answer 2

People have the right to own and carry weapons. This right is important because a well-trained group of citizens, or militia, is necessary to keep the country safe.

In short, it guarantees the right of individuals to own guns and other weapons.

Question 3

3rd Amendment

Answer 3

The government cannot force you to house soldiers in your home during peacetime. Even during wartime, soldiers can only be housed in private homes with the permission of the homeowner, and the law must be followed.

In short, this amendment protects your privacy and prevents the government from making you provide housing for soldiers.

Question 4

4th Amendment

Answer 4

This amendment protects your privacy by making sure the government cannot search your home or take your belongings without permission or a valid reason.

Question 5

5th Amendment

Answer 5

-You can’t be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy).

-You don’t have to testify against yourself in court (right against self-incrimination).

-The government can’t take your property without paying you fairly (eminent domain).

-You can’t be put in jail or punished without a proper legal process (due process).

In short, the Fifth Amendment protects your rights to a fair trial, to not incriminate yourself, and to be treated fairly by the government when it comes to property or punishment.

Question 6

6th Amendment

Answer 6

the Sixth Amendment ensures your right to a fair trial, the right to know the charges, and the right to legal representation.

Question 7

7th Amendment

Answer 7

If you are involved in a civil case (a non-criminal case) and the amount in dispute is more than $20, you have the right to a trial by jury. Additionally, once a jury has made a decision in a civil case, that decision cannot be changed by a judge.

In short, this amendment guarantees your right to a jury trial in civil cases and protects the jury’s decision.

Question 8

8th Amendment

Answer 8

The government cannot impose excessive bail or fines, and it cannot punish you in a cruel or unusual way. This protects people from unfair or overly harsh penalties.

In short, the Eighth Amendment ensures that punishments and fines are reasonable and humane.

Question 9

9th Amendment

Answer 9

You have other rights beyond the ones listed in the Constitution. Just because a right isn’t specifically mentioned doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Question 10

10th Amendment

Answer 10

Any powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution, or prohibited to the states, belong to the states or the people.

Question 11

11th Amendment

Answer 11

You cannot sue a state in federal court without that state’s consent. This protects states from certain lawsuits.

Question 12

12th Amendment

Answer 12

The process for electing the President and Vice President was changed. Now, electors cast separate votes for each.

Question 13

13th Amendment

Answer 13

Slavery is abolished. No one can be forced into slavery or involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

Question 14

14th Amendment

Answer 14

All people born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens and have equal protection under the law. States cannot deny people life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.

Question 15

15th Amendment

Answer 15

No one can be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This gave African American men the right to vote.

Question 16

16th Amendment

Answer 16

Congress can collect income taxes from individuals.

Question 17

17th Amendment

Answer 17

Senators are now elected directly by the people rather than being chosen by state legislatures.

Question 18

18th Amendment

Answer 18

Prohibition of alcohol. It banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. (This was later repealed.)

Question 19

19th Amendment

Answer 19

Women have the right to vote.

Question 20

20th Amendment

Answer 20

The President and Vice President’s terms begin on January 20, and Congress begins on January 3. This shortens the “lame duck” period after elections.

Question 21

21st Amendment

Answer 21

Repeals Prohibition (Amendment 18). Alcohol is legalized again.

Question 22

22nd Amendment

Answer 22

A President can only serve two terms. This limits a person to eight years in office.

Question 23

23rd Amendment

Answer 23

People in Washington, D.C. have the right to vote for President and Vice President through electors, like the states.

Question 24

24th Amendment

Answer 24

Poll taxes are banned. You can’t be required to pay a tax to vote in federal elections.

Question 25

25th Amendment

Answer 25

Clarifies the process for presidential succession if the President dies, resigns, or is unable to fulfill their duties. The Vice President takes over, and other procedures are outlined for filling vacancies.

Question 26

26th Amendment

Answer 26

The voting age is lowered to 18. Anyone 18 years or older can vote.

Question 27

27th Amendment

Answer 27

Changes to Congressional salaries can only take effect after an election. This prevents Congress from giving itself immediate pay raises.

Question 28

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 1 (Establishing Congress)

Answer 28

All legislative powers are given to Congress, which consists of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Question 29

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 2 (Rules for The House of Representatives)

Answer 29

Representatives are elected every two years, and each state gets at least one representative. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.

Question 30

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 3 (Rules for The Senate)

Answer 30

Senators serve six-year terms, with two from each state. They must be at least 30 years old, have been a citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent. The Vice President is the President of the Senate, but has no vote unless there is a tie.

Question 31

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 4 (Elections and Meetings)

Answer 31

States determine the times, places, and manner of elections, but Congress can alter those rules. Congress must meet at least once a year.

Question 32

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 5 (Rules and Procedures)

Answer 32

Each chamber of Congress can set its own rules, punish members for misbehavior, and decide if an election is valid.

Question 33

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 6 (Compensation and Protection for Members)

Answer 33

Senators and Representatives are paid for their work and cannot be arrested while traveling to or from sessions (except for serious crimes).

Question 34

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 7 (How a Bill Becomes a Law)

Answer 34

A bill must pass both the House and Senate before being sent to the President. The President can sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Question 35

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 8 (Powers of Congress)

Answer 35

Lists the powers of Congress, including the ability to tax, regulate commerce, declare war, maintain an army and navy, and create laws necessary to carry out these powers.

Question 36

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 9 (Limits on Congress)

Answer 36

Certain powers are forbidden to Congress, such as banning the importation of slaves before 1808 or granting titles of nobility.

Question 37

Article 1: The Legislative Branch - Section 10 (Limits on States)

Answer 37

States cannot make treaties, print money, or engage in war unless invaded.

Question 38

Article 2: The Executive Branch - Section 1 (Rules for Electing The President and Vice President)

Answer 38

The President is elected every four years by the Electoral College. The President must be at least 35 years old, born in the U.S., and have lived in the country for 14 years. The Vice President assumes the presidency if the President can’t serve.

Question 39

Article 2: The Executive Branch - Section 2 (Presidential Powers)

Answer 39

The President is the Commander in Chief of the military, can grant pardons, make treaties (with Senate approval), and appoint government officials (like judges, with Senate approval).

Question 40

Article 2: The Executive Branch - Section 3 (Presidential Duties)

Answer 40

The President must give the State of the Union address, meet with foreign diplomats, ensure laws are faithfully executed, and commission officers.

Question 41

Article 2: The Executive Branch - Section 4 (Impeachment)

Answer 41

The President, Vice President, or any other government official can be removed from office for committing “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

Question 42

Article 3: The Judicial Branch - Section 1 (The Supreme Court and Other Courts)

Answer 42

The judicial power is given to one Supreme Court and other lower courts created by Congress. Federal judges serve for life, unless they resign or are impeached.

Question 43

Article 3: The Judicial Branch - Section 2 (Judicial Powers)

Answer 43

The courts handle cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and cases involving the government. The Supreme Court has the final say.

Question 44

Article 3: The Judicial Branch - Section 3 (Treason)

Answer 44

Defines treason as waging war against the U.S. or helping its enemies. Conviction requires the testimony of two witnesses or a confession in open court.

Question 45

Article 4: The States - Section 1 (Full Faith and Credit)

Answer 45

States must recognize the laws and court decisions of other states.

Question 46

Article 4: The States - Section 2 (Privileges and Immunities)

Answer 46

Citizens of each state have the same rights and privileges in every state.

Question 47

Article 4: The States - Section 3 (New States)

Answer 47

New states can be admitted by Congress, but no new state can be created by dividing an existing state without consent.

Question 48

Article 4: The States - Section 4 (Guarantees to the States)

Answer 48

The federal government will protect states against invasion and domestic violence.

Question 49

Article 5: Amendments

Answer 49

Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

Question 50

Article 6: The Supremacy Clause (3 points)

Answer 50

1. Supremacy of the Constitution - The Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, and judges must follow them even if state laws disagree.
2. Oath of Office - All government officials, both federal and state, must swear an oath to support the Constitution.
3. No Religious Tests - There cannot be any religious test or requirement for holding office.

Question 51

Article 7: Ratification

Answer 51

The Constitution would be ratified by conventions in nine states. Once that was done, the document would become the law of the land.

Question 52

A Summary of the Articles of Constitution

Answer 52

Articles 1-3: Establish the structure/powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Article 4: Deals with relations between states and the federal government.

Article 5: Allows us to amend the constitution.

Article 6: makes the Constitution the supreme law and requires an oath of office from all officials.

Article 7: Sets the procedures for ratification.