Who were the Federalists?
Those in support of ratifying the Constitution
What did the Federalists do to ensure Massachusetts would ratify the Constitution?
They tricked the governor of Massachusetts (John Hancock) into thinking he could be president under the new Constitution.
When did the Constitution ratify?
1788
Where in the Constitution did the Federalists compromise?
They compromised in a document that would eventually become the Bill of Rights.
How did Federalists change the minds of states that did not want to ratify?
"Ratify now, amend later"
Who was elected the first president and vice president under the Constitution?
George Washington and John Adams
What did James Madison work towards until June 8, 1789?
He worked on presenting amendments from the states to Congress.
When were the first 10 amendments ratified?
1791
Where is the Bill of Rights?
It is a section of the Constitution.
How was James Madison changed by Thomas Jefferson on the topic of amendments?
Jefferson framed the amendments as a list of rights that "no government should refuse".
Who can take the government to court?
Literally any US citizen has the right to take the government to court.
What is included in your First Amendment Rights
The freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom of press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government.
When were some of the major challenges of the first amendment?
1971 - Lemon v. Kurtzman on funding for religious schools
1989 - Texas v. Johnson on expression of protesting
1969 - Gregory v, Chicago on violence towards protest
Where is can you legally sue the government?
In Supreme Court
How does the freedom of press ensure checks and balances?
The press is allowed to release information about government actions to hold them accountable for their decisions.
Who do the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th amendment rights protect?
They are meant to protect individuals from the government.
2nd Amendment - The Right to Bear Arms
3rd Amendment - The Right to Refuse Quartering Troops in Homes
4th Amendment - The Right Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures
When and how did Supreme Court define "unreasonable search"?
1967 by requiring that investigative forces needed a judge approved warrant (court order) before searching an individual's home
Where in the Constitution does it require individuals to house the military?
How did Supreme Court rule in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller?
They ruled that any person had the right to own a gun for personal use.
Who does the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Amendments protect against?
They protect individuals from state or federal level court injustice.
What are the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Amendments?
5th Amendment - The Right to a hearing, the prevention of double jeopardy, and prevention of self-incrimination, and the right to own property despite criminal status
6th Amendment - The Right to a fair criminal trial
7th Amendment - The Right to a fair civil trial
8th Amendment - The prevention of excessive bail and the prevention of cruel and unusual punishment
When someone says "I plead the Fifth", what are they referring to?
They are saying that the police are asking them loaded questions that will illegally force a confession from them.
Where does the amendments make it clear that you are owed legal help?
The 6th amendment makes it clear that every US citizen is entitled to a lawyer or representing team.
How does the death penalty not violate the 8th Amendment?
Supreme Court ruled in favor of the death penalty in cases of murder or worse.