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First Amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Protects the right to due process, prohibits double jeopardy, and protects against self-incrimination.

Tenth Amendment

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

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case ruling that Congress had implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states could not tax the federal government.

United States v. Lopez

Supreme Court case ruling that Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause regarding possession of firearms in school zones.

Brown v. Board of Education

Supreme Court case ruling that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, thus unconstitutional.

Citizens United v. FEC

Supreme Court case ruling that political spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

Baker v. Carr

Supreme Court case that allowed federal courts to engage in redistricting cases, enhancing electoral fairness.

Shaw v. Reno

Supreme Court case ruling that race cannot be the sole factor in redistricting.

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court case establishing the principle of judicial review.

Impeachment Process

The House votes on articles of impeachment; the Senate holds a trial requiring a two-thirds vote to convict.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments operate independently with distinct responsibilities.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where national and state governments work together, often influenced by federal funding.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution for the federal government.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly mentioned but necessary to implement enumerated powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared between federal and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers that belong solely to the states as per the Tenth Amendment.

Equal Protection Clause

Located in the Fourteenth Amendment, it mandates that all individuals are treated equally under the law.

Establishment Clause

Located in the First Amendment, it prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one over another.