US Constitution

Article I of the U.S. Constitution

Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress: Senate and House of Representatives).

Powers granted to Congress in Article I

The power to make laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and collect taxes.

Article II of the U.S. Constitution

Establishes the Executive Branch, defining the powers of the President and the Executive.

Powers of the President under Article II

Enforces laws, commands the military, makes treaties, and appoints officials.

Article III of the U.S. Constitution

Defines the Judicial Branch, including the creation of the Supreme Court and lower courts.

Article IV of the U.S. Constitution

Covers the Full Faith and Credit Clause and the admittance of new states.

Purpose of Article V in the Constitution

Defines the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI of the Constitution

Addresses the Supremacy Clause, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Article VII of the Constitution

Describes the process for ratifying the Constitution.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the government, such as the power to declare war and collect taxes.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed but necessary to carry out enumerated powers (e.g., creating a national bank).

Process for amending the U.S. Constitution

Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds vote in Congress or a constitutional convention and ratified by three-fourths of the states.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments that protect individual rights such as freedom of speech and protection from unreasonable searches.

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

Significance of the 14th Amendment

Grants equal protection under the law and ensures due process of law at the state level.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

Federalists' argument

In favor of a strong national government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Anti-Federalists' argument

Against a strong national government and the lack of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution.

How the Bill of Rights addressed Anti-Federalist concerns

Guaranteed individual rights and freedoms, aiding in the ratification of the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

Provision in Article VI stating that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties, is the supreme law of the land.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Emoluments Clause

Prohibits the President from receiving gifts or payments from foreign states without Congress's consent.

Impact of the 15th Amendment on civic participation

Granted African American men the right to vote.

Significance of the 24th Amendment

Abolished poll taxes, making it easier for low-income citizens to vote.

Effect of the 26th Amendment on voting rights

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Role of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause in civil rights

Ensures that all citizens are treated equally under the law, particularly in cases involving discrimination.