U.S. Constitution Articles, Amendments, and Key Clauses for Civics

Article 1

Legislative Branch makes laws (Congress)

Article 2

Executive Branch enforces laws (President)

Article 3

Judicial Branch interprets laws (Supreme Court)

Article 4

States' powers and relationships

Article 5

Amendment process for changing the Constitution

Article 6

Supremacy of the Constitution and federal law

Article 7

Ratification of the Constitution

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers

4th Amendment

No unreasonable searches or seizures

5th Amendment

Due process, no self-incrimination, no double jeopardy

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy, public trial with a lawyer

7th Amendment

Jury trial in civil cases

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment

9th Amendment

People have additional rights not listed in the Constitution

10th Amendment

States receive powers not given to the federal government

11th Amendment

Limits lawsuits against states

12th Amendment

Separate ballots for President and Vice President

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery

14th Amendment

Citizenship, equal protection, due process of law

15th Amendment

Voting rights regardless of race

16th Amendment

Federal income tax

17th Amendment

Direct election of senators

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcohol

19th Amendment

Women's voting rights

20th Amendment

Presidential and congressional term start dates changed

21st Amendment

Repealed prohibition

22nd Amendment

Two-term limit for the President

23rd Amendment

D.C. gets electoral votes for President

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections

25th Amendment

Presidential succession and disability procedures

26th Amendment

Voting age lowered to 18

27th Amendment

Limits Congress from raising its pay during the same term

Form a more perfect union

Create a stronger, united country

Establish justice

Fair laws and courts

Ensure domestic tranquility

Keep peace at home

Provide for the common defense

Military protection from outside threats

Promote the general welfare

Support well-being of citizens

Secure the blessings of liberty

Protect freedom now and in the future

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate trade between states and other nations

Due Process Clause

Government must treat you fairly before taking life, liberty, or property (5th and 14th Amendments)

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect other states' laws, records, and court decisions

Free Exercise Clause

Government cannot stop you from practicing your religion (1st Amendment)

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States must treat citizens of other states equally

Establishment Clause

Government cannot create or favor a religion (1st Amendment)

Supremacy Clause

Constitution and federal laws outrank state laws (Article 6)

Habeas Corpus

Right to challenge unlawful imprisonment - "produce the body"

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper)

Congress can make laws needed to carry out its powers

Emoluments Clause

Government officials cannot accept foreign gifts or titles without Congress approval