U.S. Constitution Study Guide - First 10 Amendments & 14th Amendment

These flashcards highlight key terms and definitions from the U.S. Constitution's first ten amendments and the Fourteenth Amendment, aiding in the understanding of fundamental rights and landmark Supreme Court rulings.

First Amendment

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

RAPPS

Memory tip for First Amendment: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Court ruled students don’t lose free speech rights at school unless disruptive.

Bethel v. Fraser (1986)

Court said schools can limit vulgar speech—not absolute free speech.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Court ruled that burning the American flag is protected speech.

West Virginia v. Barnette (1943)

Students can’t be forced to salute the flag or recite the Pledge.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Government can’t restrict corporate political spending as free speech.

Kennedy v. Bremerton (2022)

Court protected a coach's right to pray on the field as free exercise.

Second Amendment

The right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.

Third Amendment

Prohibits forcing citizens to house soldiers in peacetime.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants required.

Fifth Amendment

Rights of the accused, including no double jeopardy and right to remain silent.

Fifth amendment/ Miranda Rights

Police must inform suspects of their rights before questioning.

Sixth Amendment

Ensures right to a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, and legal counsel.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Attorney for poor defendant

Seventh Amendment

right to a jury trial in civil cases

Eighth Amendment

no cruel or unusual punishment or excessive bail/ fines

Ninth Amendment

Affirms that people have rights beyond those enumerated in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Fourteenth Amendment

Guarantees equal protection under the law and due process.

Importance of the Fourteenth Amendment

Protects against state government abuses and defines citizenship.

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018)

Court ruled state violated baker's free exercise of religion.

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014)

Businesses can refuse contraceptive coverage for religious reasons.

Due Process

Fair legal steps must be followed before taking life, liberty, or property.

Freedom of Expression Rights

Includes the right to free speech, press, and peaceful assembly.

Protection from unreasonable searches

Fourth Amendment requires warrants based on probable cause.

Fifth Amendment

Rights of the Accused: No double jeopardy, Right to remain silent, Due process, Eminent domain (gov pays for property)

Right to remain silent

Fifth Amendment/ Miranda Rights

Impartial jury

Sixth Amendment ensures defendants receive a fair trial.

Right to a speedy trial

Sixth Amendment.

Civil Trials

Seventh Amendment facilitates jury trials in lawsuits over money.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Eighth Amendment

Ninth Amendment

Rights Retained by the People

Powers Reserved to the States

Tenth Amendment delineates state powers not allocated to the federal government.

Court Cases summary of Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Students have free speech rights in school if not disruptive.

Court Cases summary of Bethel v. Fraser (1986)

Schools can punish lewd/vulgar speech.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Flag burning is protected under First Amendment.

West Virginia v. Barnette (1943)

Students can't be forced to say the pledge of allegiance

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Corporations can spend money on political campaigns as free speech

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Individuals must be informed of their rights before interrogation.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Right to counsel is guaranteed in state court.

Kennedy v. Bremerton (2022)

Coach's prayer after games protected under free exercise.

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014)

Businesses can refuse contraceptive coverage for religious reasons as freedom of religion.