AP GOV EXAM Articles and Amendments

Preamble

Defines the purpose of the Constitution

Article I

Legislative Branch - Organizations, powers, and restraints; Commerce Clause, Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

Article II

Executive Branch - Powers, duties, restraints, and election of the President

Article III

Judicial Branch - Powers, restraints, and the definition of Treason

Article IV

Relation of the states to each other and to the federal government, guarantees to the states, and government of the territories (Full Faith and Credit Clause)

Article V

Method of Amending the Constitution. Guarantee of equal representation of the states in the U.S. Senate

Article VI

Provision for national debts. Supremacy of the United States Constitution, federal laws and treaties. Pledge of national and state officials to uphold the constitution. No religious test required as qualification for public office (Supremacy Clause)

1st

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

2nd

Right to bear arms

3rd

Limitation on the quartering of soldiers in private homes

4th

Limitations on search and seizure

5th

Criminal proceedings: due process, eminent domain, no double jeopardy, right to no self incrimination (miranda rights)

6th

Right to a fair, speedy, and public trial

7th

Trial by jury in civil cases

8th

Excessive bail and cruel punishment forbidden

9th

People possess rights, other than those enumerated

10th

Undelegated powers belong to the states or to the people

14th

Definition of citizenship. Guarantees of due process of law and equal protection of the laws against infringement by the states

15th

Right of adult male citizens to vote

17th

Popular election of United States Senators

19th

Right of women to vote

22nd

Limitation of Presidential term in office

23rd

Presidential vote for the District of Columbia

24th

Prohibition of a tax payment as a qualification to vote in federal elections (poll taxes)

26th

Sets the minimum age for voting in all elections at 18