Article VI: Federal Power
What does the Supremacy Clause establish?
It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
How many states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to become effective?
Nine states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to become effective.
What rights are protected by the First Amendment?
The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
What rights are guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment?
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of accusations, the confrontation of witnesses, compulsory process for obtaining witnesses, and the assistance of counsel.
What issue is addressed by the Eleventh Amendment?
The Eleventh Amendment restricts the ability of individuals to bring suit against states in federal court.
What is required of government officials in relation to the Constitution according to Article VI?
All government officials, both federal and state, must take an oath to support the Constitution.
Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
What is the significance of the Second Amendment?
The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms.
What rights are protected by the Seventh Amendment?
The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases involving claims of more than twenty dollars.
How did the Twelfth Amendment change the process of electing the President and Vice President?
The Twelfth Amendment requires separate electoral votes for President and Vice President, instead of the original procedure where the runner-up became Vice President.
What does Article VI say about religious tests for public office?
It prohibits any religious test as a qualification for any public office or trust under the United States.
What was the process used by the states to ratify the Constitution under Article VII?
The process required each state to hold a convention specifically for the purpose of ratifying the Constitution. The delegates at these conventions would vote to approve or reject the Constitution. Once nine states had ratified the Constitution through their conventions, it would become effective for those states.
What does the Third Amendment prohibit?
The Third Amendment prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent in peacetime.
What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.
What did the Thirteenth Amendment accomplish?
The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
What obligations do the states have under the Supremacy Clause in Article VI?
Under the Supremacy Clause, states are obligated to uphold the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land, even if state laws or constitutions conflict with them.
What impact did the ratification of the Constitution have on the existing government under the Articles of Confederation?
The ratification of the Constitution effectively replaced the Articles of Confederation. The new Constitution created a stronger federal government with greater powers and a more effective structure, addressing many of the weaknesses and issues that had arisen under the Articles of Confederation.
What protections are offered by the Fourth Amendment?
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for search warrants based on probable cause.
What does the Ninth Amendment state about the rights of the people?
The Ninth Amendment states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights not specifically mentioned.
What are the key provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment?
The Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, guarantees due process and equal protection under the law, and addresses post-Civil War issues.
How does Article VI address conflicts between federal and state laws?
Article VI resolves conflicts by establishing that federal laws and treaties take precedence over state laws. State judges are bound by federal law, even if state laws or constitutions disagree.
Which was the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution, and why was its ratification significant?
Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution, doing so on May 29, 1790. Its ratification was significant because it marked the unanimous acceptance of the new Constitution by all thirteen original states, ensuring full participation in the new federal system and symbolizing national unity.
What rights are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment?
The Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to due process, protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and eminent domain without just compensation.
What does the Tenth Amendment state about the powers of the states and the people?
The Tenth Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.
What did the Fifteenth Amendment establish?
The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.