Principles
The federal government can ONLY do what is listed/permitted in the constitution. It is not absolutely powerful.
Limited Government
This branch ENFORCES the laws passed by Congress.
Executive
You have the ability to verbally criticize the government without being punished, so long as you don't make any violent threats.
Freedom of Speech
As an adult, you have the right to own (and frequently carry) a firearm.
Second Amendment
Suing for damages caused by faulty products, settling an argument over property or damages, discrimination law suits.
Seventh Amendment
Each branch has powers that they can use against the other branches to keep them from becoming too powerful. Congress can override the President. The President can veto a bill. The SCOTUS can overrule just about anything.
Checks and Balances
This branch creates/makes new laws.
Legislative
You are welcome to attend a mosque or synagogue of your choosing and may perform any rituals you desire so long as they are not harmful to another person or infringing on someone's rights.
Freedom of Religion
If a police officer wants to enter your home and search for a specific thing, they must provide a warrant signed by a judge.
Fourth Amendment
If Mr. Bennett runs a red light, the judge can't sentence him to 40 years of hard labor or chop off his right foot. The judge must also keep the bail, if any, at a proportionate amount to the crime.
Eighth Amendment
Separation of Powers
This branch determines if laws are constitutional and settles disputes that affect the whole nation.
Judicial
You may publish whatever critical information you choose so long as it is true.
Freedom of the Press
If the government needs your property, they can take it - however, they must reimburse you fairly for that property.
Fifth Amendment
The government can't needlessly delay your trial, and your trial may be "public." They also have to tell you what you are being charged with.
Sixth Amendment
We are a representative democracy, which means we elect representatives to make our decisions for us.
Republicanism
These TWO groups of people argued over whether or not to ratify (approve/pass) the new Constitution.
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
You may gather in groups, usually to protest and injustice.
Right to Assemble
If you are accused of a crime, you do not have to testify. If you DO testify, you do not have to answer any questions that may make you seem guilty.
Fifth Amendment
Traffic laws, local taxes, licenses (marriage/drivers',) intrastate commerce, police/fire departments, maintaining schools.
Tenth Amendment
We have two, separate but functioning governmental systems in the United States: state/local and national.
Federalism
This deal created our bi-cameral (two house/chamber) form of government.
Great Compromise
You may record your grievances and send them physically to the government without fear of being punished or jailed.
Right to Petition
Third Amendment
The right to eat junk food. The right to a job. The right to dye your hair green. The right to clean drinking water. The right to a reasonable amount of privacy.
Ninth Amendment