Constitution and Bill of Rights

Article I

sets up Congress, splits Congress into Senate and House of Representatives (bicameral), gives Congress the power to make laws, collect taxes, and declare war

Article II

Creates the offices of the President and Vice President. It explains how to elect the president, sets rules for the Electoral College, and names the president as commander of the military

Article III

Establishes the Supreme Court and lets Congress create lower federal courts. It defines the types of cases the courts can hear and explains the crime of treason

Article IV

Explains how states must respect other states' laws, court orders, and public records. It also promises that every state will have a republican form of government

Article V

Tells how to add amendments. It requires a two thirds vote in Congress (or a special convention) and a three-fourths vote by the states to approve any change

Article VI

States that the Constitution and federal laws are the "supreme Law of the Land". It means federal laws win if they conflict with state laws, Supremacy Clause

Article VII

Sets the rules for approving the Constitution. It required nine of the original thirteen states to agree before it could go into effect

Article I, Section 8

Necessary and Proper Cause (aka Elastic Clause): gives Congress the means to execute its enumerated powers; basis for Congress’s implied powers

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitio

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms

3rd Amendment

Stops the forced housing of soldiers in private homes

4th Amendment

Guards against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment

Covers rights in criminal cases, due process, and eminent domain

6th Amendment

Guarantees a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel

7th Amendment

Guarantees a jury trial in civil lawsuits

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishments

9th Amendment

Clarifies that unlisted rights still belong to the people

10th Amendment

Reserves ungranted powers to the states or the people

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States

14th Amendment

Defined citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

Protected voting rights regardless of race or color

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote

22nd Amendment

Limited a U.S. President to two terms in office