U.S. Constitution — Articles & Amendments

Article V

Describes the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Article VII

Describes the process for ratification of the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Right to bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; guarantees due process.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy public trial by an impartial jury.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment

Affirms that the people have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

States that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.

Fourteenth Amendment

Defines citizenship and provides equal protection under the law.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.

Nineteenth Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

Twenty-second Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

Twenty-sixth Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18 years.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

A clause in Article I, Section 8, granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

What is the supremacy clause?

Article VI, Clause 2, establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

What is the process for amending the Constitution?

An amendment can be proposed either by a two-thirds vote in both Houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. It must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison.

What is the significance of the Commerce Clause?

Allows Congress to regulate trade between states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes, significantly expanding federal power.