1 U.S. Constitution and Amendments: Key Principles and Historical Figures

1st Amendment

Freedom of Press, Religion, Speech, Petition, and Assembly

2nd Amendment

Right to Bear Arms (weapons)

3rd Amendment

No Quartering of Soldiers (no soldiers living in your home)

4th Amendment

No Unreasonable Search or Seizure (must have a warrant to search or take your property)

5th Amendment

Right to not self-incriminate (remain silent), eminent domain, no double jeopardy

6th Amendment

Rights of criminal defendants such as the right to a fair and speedy public trial, confront your witnesses, have an attorney, know the charges against you, know the evidence against you

7th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in civil cases over $20

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment and no excessive fines or bail

9th Amendment

Rights reserved by the people

10th Amendment

Rights reserved by the states

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and made it illegal to be an indentured servant

14th Amendment

Guarantees that all people born in the U.S. have equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

Guaranteed citizens the right to vote regardless of their race, color, or previous servitude

Alexis de Tocqueville

A Frenchman who traveled to America in the 1830s. He wrote a book about why he thought the U.S. was successful due to egalitarianism, populism, liberty, individualism, and laissez-faire.

Amendment

Changes or additions to the U.S. Constitution

American Revolution

American Colonists fought for their independence from Great Britain in the late-1700s. They won and established the United States of America.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protects personal liberties

Checks and Balances

The three separate branches that were created to keep each other in check and balance the power: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches

Civil War

A war fought between the North and South in the United States during the 1860s over states rights, in particular the issue of slavery

Declaration of Independence

The American Colonists declared their independence from Great Britain after their demands were not made for taxation with representation and other intolerable acts.

Double Jeopardy

Being convicted of the same crime twice

E Pluribus Unum

Out of many comes one, our nation's motto, found on the Presidential seal

Egalitarianism

Everyone is equal, part of Alexis de Tocqueville's reasons for the success of democracy in America

Eminent Domain

The government can take your property for public use but you must be compensated

Executive Branch

The President, enforces laws

Executive Order

An order issued by the President and is considered law

French and Indian War

A war fought between Great Britain and France in the mid-1700s for dominance in North America. Great Britain was victorious but was left with huge debts.

Individualism

The ability to choose who you surround yourself with, part of Alexis de Tocqueville's reasons for the success of democracy in America

John Locke

Philosopher who inspired Thomas Jefferson while writing the Declaration of Independence. He believed in the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and property.

Judicial Branch

The Supreme Court, interprets the Constitution

Laissez-Faire

The government is hands off of the economy and does not intervene in private business, part of Alexis de Tocqueville's reasons for the success of democracy in America

Legislative Branch

Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), makes the laws

Liberty

People have the freedom to choose their own actions, part of Alexis de Tocqueville's reasons for the success of democracy in America

Populism

Everyone participates in government, part of Alexis de Tocqueville's reasons for the success of democracy in America

Thomas Jefferson

Founding Father, Author of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the U.S.

U.S. Constitution

Replaced the Articles of Confederation and is our current form of government, it established the framework for how the U.S. government is organized with three separate branches

Under God We Trust

Unofficial national motto, found on money

Veto Power

A law can be approved by Congress, but rejected by the President