U.S. Constitution Study Notes

Study Notes

Constitution Study Notes

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties.
Key rights include:
- Freedom of speech, religion, and the press (1st Amendment).
- Right to bear arms (2nd Amendment).
- Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (4th Amendment).
- Rights of accused persons in criminal cases (5th-6th Amendments).
- Protection against cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment).

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into three branches:
- Legislative: Makes laws (Congress - House of Representatives and Senate).
- Executive: Enforces laws (President and administration).
- Judicial: Interprets laws (Supreme Court and lower courts).
Established to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.
Established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Ensures that legislative and executive actions are subject to review and can be invalidated if deemed unconstitutional.

Federalism

System of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states.
Allows states to have their own laws and regulations while adhering to federal laws.
Promotes a balance of power, ensuring that both national and state governments can operate effectively.

When was the Constitution created

Drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
Ratified by the states in 1788.
Officially took effect on March 4, 1789.

Bill of Rights

Comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791.
Protects individual liberties essential for democracy and personal freedom.
Key rights include:
- 1st Amendment: Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and press.
- 2nd Amendment: Affirms the right to bear arms.
- 4th Amendment: Offers protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- 5th-6th Amendments: Safeguard the rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings, including due process and the right to a fair trial.
- 8th Amendment: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Separation of Powers

Establishes three branches of government with distinct responsibilities:
- Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws; consists of Congress, which is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Executive Branch: Responsible for enforcing laws; led by the President and includes the administration.
- Judicial Branch: Responsible for interpreting laws; includes the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
Designed to prevent concentration of power in any single branch, promoting a system of checks and balances.

Judicial Review

Grants courts the authority to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
Established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, reinforcing the judiciary's role.
Ensures that actions by the legislative and executive branches can be deemed unconstitutional and invalidated.

Federalism

A system where governmental power is shared between a central authority and individual states.
Empowers states to create their own laws and regulations, fostering local governance while complying with federal laws.
Promotes a balance of power, ensuring effectiveness and responsiveness at both national and state levels.

Creation of the Constitution

Drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia.
Ratified by the states, becoming effective on March 4, 1789, following a year of state approvals.
Serves as the supreme legal document that governs the United States and outlines the structure of the government.

Description

Explore key components of the U.S. Constitution including the Bill of Rights, the separation of powers, and the concept of judicial review. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of constitutional protections and government structures. Ideal for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of American governance.