notes on Constitution

The U.S. Constitution: A Summary

• The Articles of Confederation, the first governing document, created a weak central government. This weakness led to difficulties in coordinating the states and protecting individual freedoms.
• The Constitution established a stronger federal government while preventing tyranny. Separation of powers, checks and balances, and a Bill of Rights were key features.
• The Constitution's structure is divided into three main parts: the Preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments.

Preamble

• The Preamble outlines the Constitution's purpose.
• "A more perfect Union" signifies a stronger relationship between the states and a stronger federal government.
• "Blessings of Liberty" emphasizes the protection of freedom from oppressive rule.

Articles

• The seven Articles detail the structure and workings of the government.

• Article 1: Establishes the legislative branch (Congress).

  • The "Great Compromise" led to a bicameral legislature:
    • House of Representatives: Representation based on population (approx. 700,000 people per representative).
    • Senate: Equal representation for each state (2 senators per state).
  • Representatives serve 2-year terms, Senators serve 6-year terms.
  • Congress creates laws, manages finances, declares war, and appoints/elects executive branch members.

• Article 2: Establishes the Executive Branch (President and Vice-President).

  • The President is commander-in-chief of the military.
  • The President negotiates treaties and appoints federal judges and officials.

• Article 3: Establishes the Judicial Branch (federal courts).

  • Federal courts review state court decisions.
  • Federal courts decide disputes between states.
  • Federal courts determine if laws comply with the Constitution.

• Article 4: Addresses interstate relations, ensuring states respect each other's laws and citizens.

• Article 5: Outlines the amendment process for changing the Constitution.

• Article 6: Establishes federal supremacy over state laws when conflicts arise.

  • The federal government's national debt under the Articles was recognized.

• Article 7: Details the ratification process for adopting the Constitution.

Amendments

• Amendments modify the Constitution.
• The first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights, safeguarding individual freedoms.
• Amendments:
  • 1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
  • 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms.
  • 3rd Amendment: No forced quartering of soldiers.
  • 4th Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
  • 5th Amendment: Rights of the accused.
  • 6th Amendment: Right to a fair trial.
  • 7th Amendment: Right to a jury trial in civil cases.
  • 8th Amendment: Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.
  • 9th Amendment: Unlisted rights are still protected.
  • 10th Amendment: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.
• Other notable amendments include:
  • 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery (1865)
  • 16th Amendment: Federal income tax (1913)
  • 19th Amendment: Women's right to vote (1920)
  • 26th Amendment: Lowered voting age to 18 (1971)

This quiz provides a summary of the U.S. Constitution, detailing its key features and structure. It covers the transition from the Articles of Confederation to a stronger federal government, including the importance of separation of powers and the Bill of Rights. Test your knowledge on the Preamble, Articles, and Amendments of the Constitution.