Constitutional Law: Individual Rights and Liberties

Constitutional Law flashcards covering individual rights, liberties, and principles of law.

Democracy

A system of government that is representative of the people and by the people and for the people.

The U.S. Constitution

Establishes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and is the supreme law of the land.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution containing many of our basic rights.

1st Amendment

Five freedoms and the Establishment Clause.

2nd Amendment

Right of people to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of troops.

4th Amendment

Search and seizure.

5th Amendment

Four components = due process.

6th Amendment

Rights to counsel (attorney).

7th Amendment

Jury trials in civil cases.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment; no excessive bail.

9th Amendment

Rights in the constitution are not the only rights that citizens possess.

10th Amendment

Separation of powers between states and the federal government.

11th Amendment

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

Electoral College

The formal body which elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection under the law and due process.

15th Amendment

Guaranteed African-American men the right to vote.

16th Amendment

Established federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Direct election of U.S. Senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibition.

19th Amendment

Women have the right to vote.

20th Amendment

President and Vice-president's term of office begins on January 20th, and no longer in March.

21st Amendment

Repeal of Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Presidents limited to 2 terms.

23rd Amendment

D.C. given presidential electors.

24th Amendment

Poll tax is illegal.

25th Amendment

Established VP as successor if President is unable to serve. President can nominate a Vice President if there is a VP vacancy.

26th Amendment

18-year-olds have the right to vote.

27th Amendment

Limitations on Congressional pay raises.

Insurrection

A violent uprising against an authority or government.

Sedition

Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.

Treason

Intentionally betraying one's allegiance by levying war against the government or giving aid or comfort to its enemies.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body addresses legal charges against a government official.