U.S. Constitution REVEW

A collection of flashcards summarizing the Seven Articles of the U.S. Constitution and key constitutional clauses.

Article I

Creates the Legislative Branch (Congress), consisting of the House and the Senate; grants law-making powers and enumerated powers, such as regulating commerce, spending, and taxing.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause within Article I that allows for implied powers of Congress.

Article II

Establishes the Executive Branch, including the President and Vice President, with powers to enforce laws, act as Commander-in-Chief, manage foreign affairs and treaties (with Senate), and make appointments.

Article III

Establishes the Judicial Branch, specifically the Supreme Court, while allowing Congress to create lower courts; defines jurisdiction over constitutional and federal cases.

Marbury v. Madison ($1803$)

The Supreme Court case that established judicial review—the power of courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.

Federal Judges

Judicial officers who hold office during "good behavior," meaning they have life tenure.

Article IV

Governs relations among the states, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause, the Privileges and Immunities Clause, the admission of new states, and the guarantee of a republican government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A requirement in Article IV that states honor each other’s laws and judgments.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A provision in Article IV stating there shall be no discrimination against out-of-state citizens.

Article V

Describes the Amendment Process, requiring a $2/3$ vote of Congress or states for proposals and ratification by $3/4$ of states.

Article VI

Establishes Federal Power through the Supremacy Clause, which states that the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

Article VII

The ratification article which required the approval of $9$ of $13$ states to function as a one-time adoption mechanism.

Free Exercise Clause

A constitutional clause that protects religious practice.

Establishment Clause

A constitutional clause that bars the government from the establishment of religion.

Commerce Clause

Provides that Congress may regulate interstate commerce.

Dormant Commerce Clause

The principle that states cannot place a burden on interstate commerce.

Due Process Clauses ($5 ext{th}$ & $14 ext{th}$)

Provisions that ensure fairness and limit arbitrary action by the government.

Equal Protection Clause ($14 ext{th}$)

A clause requiring that states must treat individuals equally.