AP Gov Clauses, Amendments and Laws

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Right to keep and bear arms.

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; guarantees due process.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair, speedy trial with an attorney.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

14th Amendment

Guarantees citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits voting restrictions based on race.

17th Amendment

Direct election of senators.

19th Amendment

Women’s suffrage.

24th Amendment

Bans poll taxes.

25th Amendment

Presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers voting age to 18.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers (Article I, Section 8).

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate interstate and foreign trade (Article I, Section 8).

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the supreme law of the land (Article VI).

Establishment Clause

Government cannot establish a national religion (1st Amendment).

Free Exercise Clause

Protects religious practices (1st Amendment).

Due Process Clause

No deprivation of life, liberty, or property without legal procedure (14th Amendment).

Equal Protection Clause

Requires states to apply laws equally to all people (14th Amendment).

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Bans discrimination in public places and employment; enforces desegregation.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Prohibits discriminatory voting laws like literacy tests.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Requires public accommodations and bans job discrimination based on disability.

Title IX (1972)

Prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)

Limits soft money in political campaigns.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

Limits presidential military power without congressional approval.