Foundational Documents and Articles of the Constitution

Flashcards covering the foundational documents and articles of the US Constitution.

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document authored by Jefferson declaring the colonies’ separation from Britain based on Enlightenment principles.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution, creating a weak national government and a loose alliance of sovereign states.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the land that established a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances.

Federalist No. 10

Madison’s argument that a large republic is the best defense against the dangers of factions.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist essay warning that the Constitution gives too much power to the federal government.

Federalist No. 51

Madison’s defense of checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

Federalist No. 70

Hamilton’s argument for a strong, single executive to ensure accountability and effective governance.

Federalist No. 78

Hamilton’s essay justifying the judiciary’s independence and the power of judicial review.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

MLK’s defense of civil disobedience and the moral obligation to oppose unjust laws.

Article I – Legislative Branch

Establishes Congress and defines its powers, including lawmaking, taxation, and regulation.

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate interstate and foreign trade.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Congress can make laws needed to carry out its powers.

Enumerated Powers

Listed powers of Congress (e.g., coin money, declare war).

Article II – Executive Branch

Establishes the presidency and defines the powers and responsibilities of the executive.

Commander-in-Chief Clause

President commands armed forces.

Take Care Clause

President must faithfully execute the laws.

Appointments Clause

President nominates officials with Senate approval.

Article III – Judicial Branch

Establishes the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, and defines its jurisdiction.

Judicial Power Clause

Grants judicial power to the courts.

Original vs. Appellate Jurisdiction

SCOTUS handles certain cases directly, others on appeal.

Life Tenure for Judges

Promotes independence.

Article IV – State Relations

Regulates interactions between states and between states and the federal government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect each other’s laws and court decisions.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States cannot discriminate against citizens of other states.

Extradition Clause

Fugitives returned to the state where the crime was committed.

Article V – Amendment Process

Outlines the formal process for amending the Constitution.

Proposal (Amendment Process)

2/3 of both houses of Congress or a national convention.

Ratification (Amendment Process)

3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

Article VI – Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws override state laws.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Oath Clause

Officials must swear to uphold the Constitution.

No Religious Test Clause

No religious requirement for office.

Article VII – Ratification

Explains how the Constitution would take effect once nine states ratified it.