The Constitution & Bill of Rights Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from lecture notes on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that lists six purposes for the U.S. Government.

Article 1

Covers the Legislative branch, detailing the structure and powers of both houses of Congress.

Article 2

Covers the Executive branch and the powers of the President and inferior officers.

Article 3

Covers the Judicial branch and the powers of the Supreme Court.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into different branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) to prevent concentration of power.

Article 5

Outlines the process for amending the Constitution, requiring both proposal and ratification.

Supremacy Clause (Article 6)

Establishes the Constitution as the highest authority, meaning federal law outweighs state law when they conflict.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which protect individual rights.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Tenth Amendment

States that powers not given to the Federal government are reserved to the states or the people, ensuring limited government.