The American Constitution: The Bill of Rights and also Amendments Flashcards
Broadly speaking, what is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments
Why were many states reluctant to sign the Constitution?
It had a powerful centralised government
Why did The Bill of Rights help ease the fear regarding the constitution?
It helped protect them from an incredibly powerful central government by outlining their rights.
Amendment 1 -
Freedom of religion, press, speech
Amendment 2 -
Right to bear arms
Amendment 3 -
Limits the quartering of soldiers
Amendment 4 -
Search and seizure of property
Amendment 5 -
Right to a trial if accused, no self-incrimination required, no double-jeopardy (you cannot be tried twice for the same crime), right to compensation for takings by gov’t.
Amendment 6 -
Right to a speedy trial by jury and confrontation of witnesses
Amendment 7 -
Right to a trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8 -
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment
Amendment 9 -
People may have other rights, even if they are not listed here
Amendment 10 -
The federal government’s powers are limited to those listed in the Constitution
How would one go about trying to remove something from the constitution?
You can’t, you only add. You have no power to diminish my size. Should you ever so Owh so Sad :( as to not venerate my sacred state then feel free to add to my wordy flesh. But, I PrObAbAbly should waaarn you… it won’t be easy.
What are the vague big steps in amending the constitution?
1) Propose an amendment
2) Ratify an amendment
QUICK! Name 2 whole ways that you can propose an amendment.
1) CONGRESS: 2/3 majority in both houses required
2)NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION called by 2/3 of states
QUICK! Name 2 whole ways that you can ratify an amendment.
1) STATE LEGISLATURES – 3/4 (38) of the state legislatures
2) STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: 3/4 of the states must hold conventions and vote to ratify.
How many times have people tried to propose an amendment via a National Constitutional Convention.
0 whole times!
As of hopefully today how many amendments have there been in total?
27
Why is the Constitution kinda vague at parts?
Deliberatoratoly me thinks! It is occasionally deliberately vague in certain parts so that it can grow. That is the job of the supreme court, as they are to interpret that constitution.
What’s the benefits off both national and state congress having to agree with a supermajority?
It’s really difficult to have this happen as our constitutu is soooo important so have have to protect it and only change it if we’re suuuper sure.
