Preamble
This means peace and quiet at home—at home in America, as opposed to in other nations. The Framers meant the absence of riots, rebellions, and similar symptoms of social disorder that arose due to the increasingly fearful and dangerous state of affairs in the new states.
What is "insure domestic tranquility?"
This article establishes the Executive Branch and the office of the President, including the powers and responsibilities of the office and the rules for elections.
What is Article 2?
The President uses this power to reject a bill passed by Congress.
What is veto?
This amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
What is the Tenth Amendment?
This amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms (or weapons/ guns).
What is the Second Amendment?
This refers to the well-being of the nation and all of the people in the nation, not a select few or even a majority at the expense of a minority.
What is the "general welfare?"
This article defines the relationship between the states and the federal government and requires states to respect the laws of other states.
What is Article 4?
This branch can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.
What is Congress (legislative branch)?
This clause in Article VI establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law when they conflict.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires search warrants to be specific.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This means the federal government is responsible for protecting the nation and its citizens from foreign threats and aggressions. This includes establishing and funding a military and other defense systems to ensure national sovereignty and security, and was a primary purpose for creating the Constitution.
What is "provide for the common defense?"
This article refers to the Legislative branch of government: the Congress, which consists of two branches (the Senate and the House of Representatives)
What is Article 1?
The Senate must approve these two things: presidential appointments and these international agreements.
What are treaties?
These are powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation and law enforcement.
What are concurrent powers?
This amendment protects your right to speak, publish, and express your opinions.
What is the First Amendment?
This part of the preamble acknowledges that in order to create a government that is stronger and more effective than the previous one under the Articles of Confederation, it is important to understand perfection is an ongoing process of improvement
What is "a more perfect Union?"
This article establishes the Judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court and the structure of the federal court system.
What is Article 3?
This branch can declare laws unconstitutional.
What is the judicial branch (or the Supreme Court)?
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government, like coining money and declaring war.
What are enumerated (or delegated) powers?
This amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
This refers to the individual freedoms and rights that the new government was created to protect, including rights like free speech, religion, and fair trials, for both current and future generations. It means that this is a precious gift to be cherished and secured through a government of laws, ensuring people can live without oppression and participate fully in society.
What is "secure the blessings of liberty?"
This article establishes that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that all federal and state officers swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution.
What is Article 6?
Congress has this power to remove a president from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors."
What is impeachment?
This type of federalism, popular in the 1960s-70s, involved the federal government providing funds to states with specific guidelines on how to use them.
What is cooperative federalism (or marble cake federalism)?
This amendment states that you cannot be forced to incriminate (or bear witness/ testify) against yourself in a criminal case.
What is the Fifth Amendment?