The US Constitution

Preamble, Articles, 27 Amendments

Preamble

We the People

To Form a More Perfect Union

Establish Justice

Ensure Domestic Tranquility

Provide for the Common Defense

Promote the General Welfare

Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Article I

Sets up the legislative Branch (Congress)

Article II

Sets up the Executive Branch (POTUS & Bureaucracy)

Article III

Sets up the judicial branch (SCOTUS & federal courts)

Article IV

Relations between the states

Article V

Amendment process

Article VI

Supremacy Clause

Article VII

Ratification of the Constitution

First Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition the Government

Second Amendment

Right to Bear Arms

Third Amendment

No Quartering of Troops

Fourth Amendment

No Illegal Searches or Seizure of Property

Fifth Amendment

Due Process of Law, No Self Incrimination, No Double Jeopardy, Eminent Domain

Sixth Amendment

Right to speedy and public trial, Right to counsel

Seventh Amendment

Right to jury in civil cases

Eighth Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment or excessive bail

Ninth Amendment

Rights reserved to the people

Tenth Amendment

Powers reserved to the states

11th Amendment

Lawsuits against states

12th Amendment

Changes the Electoral College

13th Amendment

Abolition of slavery

14th Amendment

Citizenship defined, Equal Protection Clause, Due Process Clause (states)

15th Amendment

Can’t deny right to vote based on race

16th Amendment

Income Tax

17th Amendment

Direct election of the senate

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcohol

19th Amendment

Can’t dent right to vote based on gender

20th Amendment

End of “lame duck” period

21st Amendment

Repeal of Prohibition (18th)

22nd Amendment

Two Term Limit for POTUS