Civics: Constitution and Amendments

Definition: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land that outlines the framework of government in the United States.
Established: Ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation.
Structure:
- Preamble: Introduction stating the purpose of the document.
- Articles: Seven sections detailing the structure and powers of government.
  - Article I: Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress).
  - Article II: Establishes the Executive Branch (President).
  - Article III: Establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court).
  - Articles IV-VII: Discuss states' powers, amendments, and ratification.

Definition: Amendments are formal changes or additions to the Constitution.
Total Amendments: There are 27 amendments to date.
Process for Amendment:
1. Proposal: Requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
2. Ratification: Requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions.

Definition: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791.
Key Rights Protected:
- First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
- Second Amendment: Right to bear arms.
- Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Fifth Amendment: Rights in criminal cases (due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination).
- Sixth Amendment: Right to a fair trial.
- Eighth Amendment: Protection against excessive bail and cruel punishment.

13th Amendment (1865): Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment (1868): Granted citizenship to all born or naturalized in the U.S. and provided equal protection under the law.
15th Amendment (1870): Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race.
19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.
26th Amendment (1971): Lowered the voting age to 18.

Framework for Government: Establishes the governing structure and delineates the powers of each branch.
Protection of Rights: Safeguards individual liberties and rights against government interference.
Adaptability: The amendment process allows the Constitution to evolve with society's needs and values.

The Constitution serves as the highest law in the United States, defining the structure of government.
Ratified in 1788, it replaced the earlier Articles of Confederation that had proven ineffective.
Consists of a Preamble, seven Articles, and provides a framework for the government’s functions.
Article I creates the Legislative Branch, which is responsible for making laws (Congress).
Article II establishes the Executive Branch, led by the President, charged with enforcing laws.
Article III sets up the Judicial Branch, including the Supreme Court, which interprets laws.
Articles IV through VII address state powers, the amendment process, and ratification details.

Amendments are official modifications or additions to the Constitution.
Currently, there are 27 amendments that reflect changes in society and governance over time.
The amendment process involves two main steps: proposal and ratification.
- Proposal can occur through a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers or via a national convention initiated by two-thirds of state legislatures.
- Ratification requires approval from three-fourths (38 out of 50) state legislatures or state conventions.

The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 to protect individual freedoms.
First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Second Amendment safeguards the right to bear arms.
Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Fifth Amendment ensures rights in criminal proceedings, including due process and protection against double jeopardy.
Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.
Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.

13th Amendment (1865) abolished slavery in the United States.
14th Amendment (1868) granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and ensures equal protection under the law.
15th Amendment (1870) prohibits voter discrimination based on race, ensuring voting rights for all.
19th Amendment (1920) enfranchised women, granting them the right to vote.
26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

Establishes a comprehensive framework for governance that delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch.
Protects citizens' rights and liberties, acting as a safeguard against potential government overreach.
The flexibility of the amendment process allows the Constitution to adapt and remain relevant as societal values change.