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U.S. Constitution

The main law of the country that sets up the government and protects rights.

Separation of Powers

Government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the power of the others to keep things fair.

Article 1

Creates Congress and the legislative branch (makes laws).

Article 2

Creates the President and the executive branch (carries out laws).

Article 3

Creates the Supreme Court and the judicial branch (interprets laws).

Article 4

Explains how states interact and respect each other's laws.

Article 5

Explains how to change (amend) the Constitution.

Article 6

Declares the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Article 7

Explains how the Constitution was approved (ratified).

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws are above state laws.

Implied Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but still allowed.

Expressed Powers

Powers clearly written in the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments that protect people's rights.

Federalist

Someone who supported the Constitution and a strong national government.

Anti-Federalist

Someone who did not want the Constitution and feared a strong national government.

Federalism

Power is shared between the national and state governments.

States' Rights

The idea that states should have their own powers and make many of their own decisions.

Ratification

Official approval of a law or document (like the Constitution).

Amendment

A change or addition to the Constitution.

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to own and carry guns.

3rd Amendment

No soldiers can live in your house without permission.

4th Amendment

No unfair searches or taking your stuff without a warrant.

5th Amendment

Right to remain silent, no double trial for the same crime, fair legal process.

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy public trial with a lawyer and jury.

7th Amendment

Right to a jury in civil cases (money disputes).

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment, no excessive bail.

9th Amendment

People have other rights, like privacy or personal choices, even if they're not listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or people.