AP Gov required exam documents

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Guarantees the right to own and carry firearms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

Provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants or probable cause.

5th Amendment

Includes due process, protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, eminent domain, and grand jury indictment for serious crimes.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, legal counsel, and the right to confront witnesses.

7th Amendment

Protects the right to a jury trial in civil cases over $20.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

States that people have rights beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Establishes that powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Establishes that states cannot be sued in federal court by citizens of another state or country.

12th Amendment

Fixes the electoral process by separating votes for president and vice president.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery.

14th Amendment

Includes citizenship for all born in the U.S., equal protection under the law, and due process at the state level.

15th Amendment

Guarantees voting rights cannot be denied based on race.

16th Amendment

Allows for federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Allows for direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

18th Amendment

Bans alcohol (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Moves Inauguration Day to January 20 to shorten the lame-duck period.

21st Amendment

Repeals Prohibition (18th Amendment).

22nd Amendment

Limits the presidency to two terms or a maximum of 10 years.

23rd Amendment

Grants three electoral votes to Washington, D.C.

24th Amendment

Removes poll taxes as a voting barrier.

25th Amendment

Addresses presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from raising its own salary until after the next election.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, creating a federal government with three branches and a system of checks and balances. Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.

Articles of Confederation

Weaknesses include no power to tax, no national military, no ability to regulate commerce, and weak federal authority.

Brutus 1

Argues that a strong national government would threaten state sovereignty and individual freedoms.

Federalist No. 10

Addresses that factions are inevitable but can be controlled in a large republic.

Federalist No. 51

Main idea is that separation of powers and checks and balances prevent tyranny.

Federalist No. 70

Argues that a single, strong executive ensures accountability and effective governance.

Federalist No. 78

Defends judicial independence and life tenure for judges, ensuring the courts can protect the Constitution.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

States that nonviolent resistance is necessary to fight racial injustice.

Article 1

Legislative Branch.

Article 2

Executive Branch.

Article 3

Judicial Branch.

Article 4

States' Powers & Relations

Describes state interactions, protections, and responsibilities, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause and the admission of new states.

Article 5

Amendment Process

Details how the Constitution can be amended, requiring approval from Congress and the states.

Article 6

Federal Supremacy
Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, requiring federal and state officials to uphold it.

Article 7

Ratification

Outlines the process for ratifying the Constitution, requiring approval from nine of the thirteen original states.