AP Am. Gov. Pol Amendments and Clauses

Clauses and Amendments Main ones that you need to know (All Units)

First Amendment

Congress cannot make any law prohibiting freedom of speech, the press, and the right to assembly

Exercise Clause

The citizens have the right to believe in any religion and practice in such religion

Establishment Clause

Governments cannot establish a religion

2nd Amendment

Bear Arms

4th Amendment

Implied Privacy

5th Amendment

Criminals do not have to testify if they incriminate themselves.

Due Process Clause

Making sure the governments are going through with things in the right way

Ex. Maranda Rights

(In 5th and 14th Amendment)

10th Amendment

Any powers that are not specifically given to the federal government, or withheld from the states, are reserved to the states

(Implied powers)

13th Amendment

Abolished Slavery

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship and equal rights to anyone born in the United States or who became a citizen of the country

Equal Protection and Opportunity Clause

Forces a state to govern impartially (Not draw distinctions between individuals solely on differences that are irrelevant to a legitimate governmental objective)

15th Amendment

Black people have the right to vote

19th Amendment

Woman can vote

24th Amendment

Abolished the Poll Tax in federal elections

Commerce Clause

Federal Government can regulate interstate commerce (Can control commerce between two states)

Elastic Clause

Allowing Congress to make laws not specifically mentioned in the Constitution