comp #2

Amendment Process

Amendments can be proposed by 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of states, then must be ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, right to bear arms, due process, trial rights, and protection from cruel punishment.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibited voting discrimination based on race.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Selective Incorporation

The process where the Supreme Court applies protections from the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

Federalists

Supported ratification of the Constitution, favoring a stronger national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed ratification of the Constitution without a Bill of Rights, fearing a too-powerful central government.

Supremacy Clause

Makes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties the supreme law over state laws.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate trade with foreign nations, among states, and with Native tribes.

Emoluments Clause

Prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts, payments, or titles from foreign states without congressional consent.

Due Process Clause

Guarantees fair legal procedures and protects against deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all citizens.

Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

Gives Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its expressed powers.

First Amendment Clauses

Includes the Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause, Free Speech, Free Press, Assembly, and Petition.