US Constitution

Article I

All legislative powers are vested in Congress, which is composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate. Congress has the power to make laws, declare war, and collect taxes. The article sets out the rules for the election of members for each house, with the requirement that both houses must pass legislation for it to become law.

Article II

Defines the executive branch, which is led by the President and VP. It explains the duties of the President and how they can be removed from office.

Article III

An article establishing the Judicial branch & the Supreme Court as the highest, as well as defining the cases and courts. It grants the right to a jury trial and the Supreme Court jurisdiction.

Article IV

This article establishes the relationship between the states and the federal government, requiring the states to respect each other´s laws and judicial proceedings (full faith and credit clause).

Article V

An article that explains the process for changing the Constitution.

Article VI

Claims that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law. All federal officers must swear to support the Constitution.

Article VII

States the number of states required to ratify the Constitution.

How the House of Representatives determines rules of proceedings

The House sets its own rules without approval from the Senate. Every two years, a new set of rules is implemented

Requirements to be a member of the house

You must be 25 years of age and a U.S. citizen for 7 years. They also must live in the state they represent

Requirements for members of the senate

Must be 30 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for 9 years and live in the state they represent

Requirements for the President

Must be chosen by the electoral college and must be at least 35 and a natural-born citizen and have lived in the U.S. for 14 years

Power the executive has over the legislative

The president can veto bills passed by Congress (1.7)

A power that the executive branch holds over the judicial branch.

The president appoints federal judges (2.2)

A power that the legislative branch holds over the executive branch.

Congress can overthrow a veto if they get 2/3 votes from the House & Senate (1.7)

A power that the legislative branch holds over the judicial branch.

Congress has the power to impeach and remove judges (1.3)

A power that the judicial branch holds over the executive branch.

Judicial review over executive actions (III)

A power that the judicial branch holds over the legislative branch.

Can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional (III)

Original Jurisdiction

Being the first person to hear of disputes before it is sent off

Congress

declares war

Who is the commander-in-chief

the President

Commerce Clause

In 1.8, stating that Congress has the power to regulate economic activity across state lines and other countries, or Native American tribes

Necessary and Proper Clause

Congress can pay any laws needed to carry out its powers, even if they are not in the Constitution (1.8)

Supremacy Clause

In Article VI, stating that the Constitution, federal laws listed by it, and treaties are the supreme Law of the Land.

Habeas Corpus Clause

1.9, stating it cannot be suspended by Congress unless in cases of rebellion. It is the principle that protects people from being arrested unlawfully.

Bill of Attainder

In 1.9. stating that congress cannot pass any of these. It is a law punishing someone without trial

Ex post facto law

In 1.9, these laws cannot be passed by Congress. If something was done when it was legal, when it become illegal it cannot count against you.

Full faith and credit clause

In Article IV, Section 1, claiming that credit (Ids, records, and licenses) should be recognized in all states.

Equal protection Clause

In the 14th Amendment and section 1 of the constitution stating that everyone receives the same rights and protections

Takings Clause

In the 5th Amendment, the government can take private property for public purposes, but must provide fair payment to the owner.

House of Rep and Senate (3/4)

Can override a presidential veto

Executive

ratifies treaties (2/3) from senate

House of Rep

Can impeach the president for treason, bribery, or misdemeanors

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in homes without consent

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment

Rights of the accused, due process, and double jeopardy

6th Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial

7th Amendment

Right to a jury trial

8th Amendment

Protection against unusual punishment

9th Amendment

Rights of the people unlisted in the Constitution

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government go to the people

11th Amendment

Limits the ability to sue states in federal court

12th Amendment

Updates the election of the President and Vice President

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery

14th Amendment

Citizenship, equal protection, and due process

15th Amendment

Voting rights cannot be denied based on factors of race or color

16th Amendment

Federal income tax

17th Amendment

Direct election of Senators by the people

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcohol

19th Amendment

Womens right to vote

20th Amendment

Presidential and congressional terms ¨lame duck¨ sessions

21st Amendment

Repeals prohibition of alcohol

22nd Amendment

Limits president to two terms

23rd Amendment

D.C. residents can vote in presidential elections

24th Amendment

Prohibition of poll taxes in federal elections

25th Amendment

Presidential succession and disability procedures

26th Amendment

Voting age changes to 18

27th Amendment

Limits congressional pay increase until the next term