Requried foundational documents

The Declaration of Independence

Founding document that declared The United states of america independent from British rule

The articles of Confederation

First constitution of america, predecessor of the Constitution.

The US Constitution

Established current federal government; separation of powers; checks and balances

Brutus No.1

Anti-federalist paper, argues against the proposed U.S. Constitution and its potential for creating a consolidated, powerful federal government.

Matrin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail

defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance, and that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws

Federalist No. 10

Federalist paper, a large Republic would make it hard for one faction to control the nation.

Federalist No. 51

The Federalist paper, the separation of powers and checks and balances ensures non-tyrannical government

Federalist No. 70

Federalist paper, argued for a single executive with good energy is necessary for a strong government

Federalist No. 78

Federalist paper, it argues for an independent judiciary with life tenure, ensuring the protection of the Constitution from potential legislative overreach.

The Bill for rights

First 10 amendments, civil liberties (actions that protect citizens from the gov)

1st amendment

Freedom of Speech, Religion, Assembly, petition, and press

1st amendment’s Establishment clause

Government cannot favor one religion over the other

1st amendment’s Free-exercise clause

Gov cannot stop anyone from holding beliefs, but can limit how it’s expressed

2nd amendment

Right to bear arms

3d amendment

No quartering of soldiers in people homes in times of peace

4th amendment

No unreasonable searches and seizures. Requires probable cause, warrant, or consent

Exclusionary rule (In relation to the 4th amendment)

illegally obtained evidence can't be used

5th amendment

right to due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination,

Due process (in relation to the 5th amendment)

The accused must be indicted (charged with a crime) by a grand jury (a group of citizens who decide if enough evidence exists to send a case to trail)

Due process

 The legal procedures and rights people are entitled to before the government can punish them or take something away

6th amendment

Speedy, public, local trial, imperial jury, know charges, who's testifying vs you, call your own witnesses, attorney

7th amendment

 In suits at common law, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved. Citizens have the right to a jury trial in civil cases (if they don't want a bench trial)

8th amendment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted

Capital punishment (in relation to the 8th amendment)

the death penalty

9th amendment

americans have rights not enumerated in the constitution

10th amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government go to the states or people

14th amendment

Citizenship Clause: Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

Due Process Clause: Protects individuals from state infringement on fundamental rights; basis for incorporation doctrine (applying Bill of Rights to the states via the courts).

Equal Protection Clause: Requires states to treat individuals equally under the law.

15th amendment

cannot deny vote on account or race

19th amendment

cannot deny vote based on sex

24th amendment

eliminated poll taxes

26th amendment

lowered voting age to 18

Commerce clause

Gives Congress power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.

Necessary and proper clause

• Allows Congress to pass laws it needs to carry out its powers.

• justified implied powers

supremacy clause

when in conflict, federal law triumphs over state laws