Preamble & Article 1
The Preamble to the U.S. constitution begins with these three words.
We the people
Define treason.
-Giving aid and comfort to enemies of the United States
and/or
-Levying (starting) war against the United States
Which branch of government can admit new states into the United States?
Congress
Do members of the government have to take a religious test before they can serve?
No. Religious tests are not allowed.
What amendment is in question:
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) ruled that police must tell people their rights before questioning them after an arrest. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. If police do not explain these rights, what a suspect says usually cannot be used in court.
blessings of liberty
Who is the head of the Judicial Branch (the title, not the name of the person).
Chief Justice
What happens if a person commits a crime in one state, but is captured in another state?
The accused person must be transported to the state where the crime was committed.
What is the supreme law of the land?
The U.S. Consitution and any treaties or laws that do not violate the U.S. Constitution are considered the supreme law of the land.
What amendment is in question:
New York Times v. United States (1971) said the government usually cannot stop newspapers from printing important information, even if it is embarrassing. The case involved secret papers about the Vietnam War. The Supreme Court ruled that protecting a free press is very important in a democracy.
First Amendment
What is the age requirement for Representatives?
25 (years old)
What is one requirement to become president?
-natural born citizen
-at least 35 years old
-residents of the United States for at least 14 years
What are two ways that an amendment to the Constitution proposed?
1. Two-thirds of both houses of Congress can propose an amendment
or
2. Two-thirds of the states can propose an amendment
What does "ratify" mean?
Approve
What amendment is in question:
Crawford v. Washington (2004) held that a criminal defendant has the right to confront and question witnesses who give testimonial statements against them. The Supreme Court ruled that statements made outside of court generally cannot be used unless the witness appears in court or was previously cross-examined by the defense.
Sixth Amendment
What is one power that belongs to Congress
-collect taxes
-coin/print money
-regulate commerce
-make laws
-create a navy/military
-declare war
-establish post offices
-promote science and art
List two things the president has the power to do.
-command the army/navy/military
-make treaties with other countries with the support of the Senate
How is an amendment to the Constitution ratified?
Three-fourths (or more) of the states must approve and ratify the amendment.
How many states were required to ratify the Constitution?
Nine out of the 13 states.
Name the Amendment in Question:
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) held that public schools may control what is published in school-sponsored student newspapers if the content conflicts with educational goals. Because the newspaper was part of a class, administrators could remove articles they found inappropriate, showing student speech has limits in school settings.
First Amendment
According to Article 1, Section 9, what is one thing that Congress cannot do?
-Cannot suspend Habeas Corpus
-Cannot pass laws that declare someone guilty without trial (attainder)
-Cannot punish acts that were legal when done (ex post facto).
-Cannot grant titles like Duke or Baron
-Cannot impose taxes on exports from any state or lay direct taxes unless proportional to the census.
-Could not ban the importation of people until 1808 (a temporary clause).
-Officials can't accept gifts or titles from foreign states without Congress's consent.
-Cannot create laws favoring one state's ports or require ships from one state to pay duties in another.
What crimes could cause the preisident to be removed from office?
-treason
-bribery
-other high crimes and misdemeanors
What two things does the Federal government promise to the states?
1. The Federal government guarantees a republican form of government to each state.
2. The federal government promises to protect them against invasion and domestic violence.
Caution! Although a religious test is not allowed, what do members of federal and state governments have to promise?
They have to promise to support the U.S. Constitution.
What amendment is in question:
Troxel v. Granville (2000) ruled that courts should not easily override a parent’s decision about who may visit their child. The Supreme Court struck down a law that allowed broad visitation rights for grandparents, emphasizing that parents generally have the authority to make choices in their child’s best interests.
Ninth Amendment