Key Concepts of the Constitution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Constitution.

Articale 1

Sets up the structure, powers and limitations of

Congress.

Articale 1 - Section 8

Allows Congress to make all laws which

are “necessary and proper” to carry out their enumerated

powers A.K.A. “The Elastic Clause”

Articale 1 - Section 9

Limits Congress by forbidding the use of

Bills of Attainder, or Ex Post Facto Laws, and protecting the

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Articale 2

Sets up the structure, powers and limitations of the

Executive Branch.

Articale 3

Sets up the structure, powers and limitations of the

Judicial Branch.

Articale 4

Outlines the role and powers of the States within the

Federal structure; includes the Full Faith & Credit Clause,

Privileges & Immunities Clause, and Extradition. In other

words, it explains interstate relations.

Articale 6

The Constitution, laws passed by Congress and treaties

are the supreme law of the land. A.K.A. “The Supremacy

Clause”

Amendment 1

Guarantees freedom of religion (includes

“Establishment Clause” & “Free Exercise Clause”), speech,

press and assembly

Amendment 2

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 4

Protects against “unreasonable searches and

seizures”; provides “probable cause” and search warrant

protections.

Amendment 5

Guards against self-incrimination; guards

against double jeopardy; outlines “Eminent Domain”

(government can’t take private property for public use without

fair compensation)

Amendment 6

Guarantees a trial by jury; protects the right to

counsel; provides for a speedy and public trial

Amendment 8

Protects against cruel and unusual punishment

Amendment 9

“The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain

rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others

retained by the people.” Implies a right to privacy.

Amendment 10

Powers not granted to the federal government

are reserved to the states or the people (Reserved Powers)

Amendment 12

Revises the process of voting for president so

that president and vice-president will be chosen as separate

offices in the Electoral College.

Amendment 13

Abolishes slavery

Amendment 14

Guarantees “due process of law” and “equal

protection of law” from state governments and clarifies

citizenship in the “citizenship clause”

Amendment 15

Gurantees all male citizens the right to vote

Amendment 16

Grants Congress the right to collect a personal income tax.

Amendment 17

Provides fr the direct election of senators.

Amendment 18

Prohibits the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol.

Amendment 19

Gurantees women the right to vote.

Amendment 21

Repeals the prohibition amendment.

Amendment 22

Limits the president to two terms.

Amendment 23

Provides Electoral College votes for Washington D.C.

Amendment 24

Prohibits the use of Poll Taxes.

Amendment 25

Set up procedures for picking a new vice

president if the office becomes vacant; gives procedure for

handling presidential disabilities; outlines order of presidential

succession.

Amendment 26

Gurantees 18 year olds the right to vote.

Amendment 27

Salary changes passed by Congress don’t go into effect until after the next election.