U.S. Constitution Test

What document serves as the supreme law of the United States?

The U.S. Constitution. It establishes the framework for the federal government, defines its powers (separation of powers), and guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.

What are the three main components of the U.S. Constitution?

1. The Preamble (states the purpose of the government). 2. The seven Articles (establish the government's structure). 3. The Amendments (changes and additions).

Identify the government branch established by Articles I, II, and III.

• Article I: Legislative Branch (Congress: House and Senate).
• Article II: Executive Branch (President).
• Article III: Judicial Branch (The Supreme Court and federal courts).

Summarize the purpose of Articles IV, V, VI, and VII of the U.S. Constitution.

• Article IV (States): Defines the relationships between the states, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
• Article V (Amendment): Establishes the official process for amending the Constitution.
• Article VI (Supremacy): Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land (Supremacy Clause).
• Article VII (Ratification): Details the process used to originally ratify the Constitution itself.

What is the collective name for the first ten amendments, and how many total amendments have been ratified since the Constitution took effect?

The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights (ratified in 1791). There are currently 27 ratified amendments.

Describe the two methods by which an amendment to the Constitution can be proposed (Step 1).

1. By Congress: A vote requires 2/3 approval in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. By National Convention: A convention must be called for by 2/3 (34) of the State Legislatures. (This method has never been successfully used.)

Describe the two methods by which a proposed Federal amendment can be ratified (Step 2).

1. By State Legislatures: Requires approval by 3/4 (38) of the State Legislatures. (Most common method).
2. By State Conventions: Requires approval by conventions held in 3/4 (38) of the states. (Used only for the 21st Amendment.)

What core freedoms does the First Amendment protect?

Guarantees freedom of religion (Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause), freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government.

What fundamental protection does the Second Amendment guarantee?

Protects the right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well-regulated militia.

What does the Third Amendment prohibit concerning military presence?

Prohibits the forced quartering (housing) of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during peacetime.

What is the collective name for the first ten amendments, and how many total amendments have been ratified since the Constitution took effect?

The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights (ratified in 1791). There are currently 27 ratified amendments.

Describe the two methods by which an amendment to the Constitution can be proposed (Step 1).

1. By Congress: A vote requires 2/3 approval in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. By National Convention: A convention must be called for by 2/3 (34) of the State Legislatures. (This method has never been successfully used.)

Describe the two methods by which a proposed Federal amendment can be ratified (Step 2).

1. By State Legislatures: Requires approval by 3/4 (38) of the State Legislatures. (Most common method).
2. By State Conventions: Requires approval by conventions held in 3/4 (38) of the states. (Used only for the 21st Amendment.)

What core freedoms does the First Amendment protect?

Guarantees freedom of religion (Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause), freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government.

What fundamental protection does the Second Amendment guarantee?

Protects the right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well-regulated militia.

What does the Third Amendment prohibit concerning military presence?

Prohibits the forced quartering (housing) of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during peacetime.

How does the Fourth Amendment protect individuals?

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants must be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Summarize the five key rights guaranteed to the accused under the Fifth Amendment.

1. Right to a grand jury indictment for serious crimes.
2. Protection against double jeopardy.
3. Protection against self-incrimination (Plead the Fifth).
4. Due Process Clause (applies federally).
5. Eminent Domain (just compensation for property taken for public use).

What rights does the Sixth Amendment guarantee regarding the fairness of criminal trials?

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of the charges, to confront witnesses, to compel favorable witnesses, and to the assistance of counsel.

What does the Seventh Amendment guarantee in civil cases?

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases.

What protections are provided by the Eighth Amendment?

Prohibits excessive bail and fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.

What is the purpose of the Ninth Amendment (non-enumerated rights)?

Establishes that the enumeration of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights that are not specifically listed are not also protected.

What principle of federalism is established by the Tenth Amendment (reserved powers)?

Establishes that any powers not specifically delegated to the federal government, nor withheld from the states, are reserved for those respective states or the people.

What is the primary effect of the Eleventh Amendment on federal judicial power?

Limits the jurisdiction of the federal courts, generally prohibiting federal lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or foreign state (Sovereign Immunity).

How did the Twelfth Amendment change the Presidential election process?

Required electors to cast separate votes for President and Vice President (resolving issues from the Election of 1800).

What is the core provision of the Thirteenth Amendment (Civil War Amendment)?

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States (except as punishment for a crime).

Identify the three main clauses established by the Fourteenth Amendment.

1. Citizenship Clause (grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the US).
2. Due Process Clause (applies due process rights to the states).
3. Equal Protection Clause (requires states to provide equal protection under the law).

What right did the Fifteenth Amendment guarantee?

Guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude (aimed at protecting African American male suffrage).

What power did the Sixteenth Amendment grant to the federal government?

Gives Congress the power to levy and collect income taxes without apportioning them among the states.

How did the Seventeenth Amendment change the election of U.S. Senators?

Provided for the direct popular election of U.S. Senators (they were previously chosen by state legislatures).

What did the Eighteenth Amendment institute?

Established Prohibition, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

What crucial right did the Nineteenth Amendment guarantee?

Guaranteed women the right to vote (women's suffrage).

What is the purpose of the Twentieth Amendment (Lame Duck Amendment)?

Fixes the date when presidential (January 20) and congressional (January 3) terms begin, shortening the 'lame duck' period.

What did the Twenty-First Amendment achieve, and why is it unique?

Repealed the Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition). It is the only amendment to be ratified solely by state conventions.

What restriction did the Twenty-Second Amendment place on the presidency?

Limits the President to two elected terms or a maximum of ten years in office.

What electoral representation did the Twenty-Third Amendment grant?

Granted the District of Columbia (D.C.) presidential electors, allowing them to participate in presidential elections.

What voting prerequisite did the Twenty-Fourth Amendment eliminate?

Eliminated the use of poll taxes or other taxes as a requirement for voting in federal elections.

What procedures did the Twenty-Fifth Amendment clarify?

Clarifies and institutionalizes the procedures for presidential succession, disability, and vacancy of the Vice Presidency.

What key aspect of voting rights did the Twenty-Sixth Amendment establish?

Lowered the national voting age from 21 to 18.

What restriction does the Twenty-Seventh Amendment place on Congress?

Prohibits Congressional salary increases or decreases from taking effect until after the next election of Representatives.