Constitution Articles III to the End + Bill of Rights

Federal courts' power

Cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, treaties, the U.S. government, disputes between states, and maritime issues.

Number of Supreme Court justices

Congress decides the number of Supreme Court justices.

Federal judges' pay rule

Federal judges' pay cannot be decreased while they serve.

Federal judges' service duration

Federal judges serve for life during 'good behavior.'

Definition of treason

Treason is levying war against the U.S. or aiding enemies; requires two witnesses or a confession.

Advantage of lifetime judicial appointments

Lifetime judicial appointments create independence from politics.

Disadvantage of lifetime judicial appointments

Lifetime judicial appointments reduce accountability and allow very old justices to serve.

Standing in a court case

Standing is the legal ability to bring a lawsuit.

Requirements for standing

A person must show a connection to the law and evidence of actual harm.

Lowest level of the federal court system

The lowest level is the U.S. District Courts (94 total).

Middle level of the federal court system

The middle level is the U.S. Courts of Appeals (13 circuits).

Appellate jurisdiction

Appellate jurisdiction is the power to review decisions from lower courts.

Common path for a federal case

District Court → Court of Appeals → Supreme Court.

Judicial review

Judicial review is the power to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.

Event leading to Marbury v. Madison

President Adams attempted to appoint last-minute 'midnight judges.'

Reason William Marbury sued

William Marbury sued to request a writ of mandamus to receive his commission.

Supreme Court's decision on Marbury's appointment

The Supreme Court said Marbury deserved the commission but the Court lacked authority to issue a writ.

Establishment of judicial review by Marbury v. Madison

The Court gave up the power to issue mandamus but gained the larger power to review laws for constitutionality.

'Full Faith and Credit'

'Full Faith and Credit' requires states to recognize other states' laws, records, and court decisions.

'Privileges and Immunities'

'Privileges and Immunities' prevents states from discriminating against citizens from other states.

Main theme of Article IV

The main theme is cooperation and unity among states.

Power to admit new states

Congress has the power to admit new states.

Connection of Article IV to Articles of Confederation

Article IV fixes the Articles' weak rules about interstate relations.

Importance of Fugitive Slave Clause wording

The wording matters because small language changes affect constitutional interpretation.

Proposing a constitutional amendment

A proposal requires 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of state legislatures.

Ratifying a constitutional amendment

Ratification requires approval from 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

Final part of Article V

The final part protects clauses on the slave trade and direct taxes until 1808.

Supremacy Clause

The Supremacy Clause states that the Constitution and federal laws are the highest law of the land.

Fixes from Supremacy Clause

The Supremacy Clause prevented states from ignoring national laws.

Author of the Bill of Rights

James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights.

Influence on the Bill of Rights

George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

Purpose of the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights protects individual liberties and limits government power.

Reason for adding the Bill of Rights

It was added to win support from Anti-Federalists.

Ratification of the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights was ratified by the First U.S. Congress.