📜 The U.S. Constitution & Amendments
Understanding the foundation of American democracy and the rights that protect us all
The Constitution
Written in 1787, the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It establishes the framework of government and guarantees fundamental rights.
📋 Key Purposes:
- Establish Government Structure: Creates three branches with checks and balances
- Define Federal Powers: Lists what the federal government can and cannot do
- Protect Individual Rights: Guarantees fundamental freedoms through amendments
- Enable Peaceful Change: Provides process for amendments and elections
Three Branches of Government
The Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments)
Added in 1791, these amendments guarantee fundamental individual rights and freedoms
Freedom of Expression
Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition government. The foundation of democratic discourse.
Right to Bear Arms
Protects the right to keep and bear arms, originally intended for well-regulated militias defending the state.
No Forced Quartering
Prevents government from forcing citizens to house soldiers in their homes during peacetime without consent.
Protection from Searches
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Requires warrants based on probable cause for most searches.
Due Process Rights
Guarantees due process, protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and requires just compensation for seized property.
Fair Trial Rights
Guarantees the right to a speedy, public trial by jury, to know charges, confront witnesses, and have legal counsel.
Civil Trial by Jury
Preserves the right to jury trials in civil cases involving disputes over $20 or more (much more in today's money).
No Cruel Punishment
Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment by the government.
Other Rights Retained
States that people have other rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution.
States' Powers
Powers not given to federal government or prohibited to states are reserved to states or the people.
Additional Amendments (11-27)
These amendments expanded rights, fixed problems, and adapted the Constitution to changing times
Judicial Limits
Limits federal courts' jurisdiction over lawsuits against states by citizens of other states or countries.
Electoral College Reform
Requires electors to vote separately for President and Vice President, preventing ties like the 1800 election.
Abolition of Slavery
Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States, except as punishment for crime.
Equal Protection
Grants citizenship to all born in the US, guarantees equal protection under law, and due process rights.
Voting Rights (Race)
Prohibits denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Income Tax
Allows Congress to collect income taxes without regard to state populations.
Direct Election of Senators
Requires direct election of senators by the people rather than by state legislatures.
Prohibition REPEALED
Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Later repealed by 21st Amendment.
Women's Suffrage
Prohibits denying voting rights based on sex, granting women the right to vote nationwide.
Presidential Terms
Changed presidential inauguration from March to January and clarified succession procedures.
Repeal of Prohibition
Repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and returning alcohol regulation to states.
Presidential Term Limits
Limits presidents to two terms in office, preventing the concentration of power in one person.
DC Electoral Votes
Grants Washington D.C. electoral votes in presidential elections equal to the least populous state.
No Poll Taxes
Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections, removing financial barriers to voting.
Presidential Succession
Clarifies presidential succession and procedures for replacing the Vice President.
Voting Age
Lowers the voting age to 18, recognizing that those old enough to serve in military should vote.
Congressional Pay
Prevents Congress from giving themselves immediate pay raises; changes take effect after next election.
Why Understanding the Constitution Matters
Knowledge of your constitutional rights is essential for protecting democracy
Know Your Rights
Understanding your constitutional rights helps you recognize when they're being threatened or violated.
Informed Voting
Constitutional knowledge helps you evaluate candidates and policies based on democratic principles.
Defend Democracy
Citizens who understand the Constitution are better equipped to defend democratic institutions.