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Magna Carta: (1215)
Agreement between King John and Nobles - Established Rule of Law: everyone including the King must follow the law
Magna Carta was issued in June 1215 and was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his
government was not above the law. It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal
authority by establishing law as a power.
 
Charter of the Virginia Company of London: (1609)
King James of England - Guaranteed Rights of Englishmen to the Colonists - Guaranteed overseas settlers the same rights
of Englishmen that they would have enjoyed if they had stayed at home
On April 10, 1606, King James I of England granted the following charter to the investors of the Virginia Company of London.
It permitted them to settle a swath of the North American coast and led to the establishment of Jamestown a year later.
 
Virginia Declaration of Rights: (May 1776)
George Mason - Stated that people have INHERENT RIGHTS - Served as a MODEL for the BILL OF RIGHTS
declaration of rights of the citizen adopted June 12, 1776, by the constitutional convention of the colony
of Virginia. It was a model for the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution 15 years later.
 
The Declaration of Independence: (July 4, 1776)
written by THOMAS JEFFERSON
Declared Colonies had the right to be FREE and INDEPENDENT from Britain
Stated GRIEVANCES (complaints) against the King.
Stated that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL and have certain UNALIENABLE
RIGHTS (rights that can't be taken away) "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
Declaration of Independence
Adopted on July 4, 1776 establishing the 13 American colonies as independent states, free from rule by Great Britain.
The preamble (first section) lists our unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
 
Articles of Confederation: (1781)
The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power
with the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the
Constitutional Convention in 1787.
These WEAKNESSES led to the writing of the US CONSTITUTION
 
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786)
-Thomas Jefferson
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom is a statement about both freedom of conscience and the principle of separation
of church and state. Written by Thomas Jefferson and passed by the Virginia General Assembly on January 16, 1786,
it is the forerunner of the first amendment protections for religious freedom.
It guaranteed Virginians FREEDOM OF RELIGION and influenced the first amendment.
 
U.S. Constitution (1787)
"Supreme law of the land" Was written at a Constitutional Convention in Phillidelphia in 1787.
Established the Structure of our Government.
Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected
 
Constitutional Convention (1787)
The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation
and give more power to the central government. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution.
 
New Jersey Plan or “The Paterson Plan” (1787)
A constitutional proposal that would have given each state one vote in a new congress Favored SMALL states.
He is probably best known, however, as the author of “The Small State Plan,” alternately called “The New Jersey Plan” or “The Paterson Plan,”
proposed on June 15, 1787. The document was a response to the Virginia Plan, which would have given proportional power to the
states based on their number of citizens.
 
Anti-Federalist Papers (1787)
a series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed U.S. Constitution; argued against a strong central government
and pushed for more protection of the people's rights.
Starting on 25 September 1787 (eight days after the final draft of the US Constitution) and running through the early 1790s,
these Anti-Federalists published a series of essays arguing against the ratification of the new Constitution.
 
Virginia Plan (1787)
Introduced to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, James Madison's Virginia Plan outlined a strong national government
with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation
of each state in Congress based on that state's population Favored LARGE states.
 
The Great Compromise (1787)
The Connecticut Compromise (also known as the Great Compromise of 1787 or Sherman Compromise) was an agreement
reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation
each state would have under the United States Constitution. created two houses (bicameral) in Congress;
one based on population (Virginia Plan) and the other gave equal representation (New Jersey Plan) to each state.
Bicameral - 2 houses
HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES would be based on POPULATION,
the SENATE would have TWO representatives from each state.
 
Constitution (Written 1787)
Ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789.
The Constitution of the United States established America’s national government and fundamental laws,
and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. 
The Bill of Rights were 10 amendments guaranteeing basic individual protections,
such as freedom of speech and religion, that became part of the Constitution in 1791.
To date, there are 27 constitutional amendments.
 
Bill of Rights (1791)
FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS added to the Constitution. PROTECTED citizens from abuses of power by the national government
Guarantees Equality under the Law
 
Amendment I [I]
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
 
Amendment II [2]
Rights to bear arms: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
 
Amendment III [3]     
Housing of Troops: No soldier, shall in, times of peace be quartered in any house without consent of the owner, nor in any time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
 
Amendment IV [4]
Prohibition of Unreasonable Search & Seizure: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, support by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
 
Amendment V [5]
Rights of Accused persons: No persons shall be held to answer for capital, or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the Military when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any case (crime) to be a witness against himself nor have his property taken for public use without compensation.
 
Amendment VI [6]     
Right of a person accused of a crime. Right to a speedy trial: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial and public trial, by an impartial jury of the senate and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witness against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witness in his favor, and have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
 
Amendment VII [7]
Right of trial by jury: In suits at common law where the value in controversy shall exceed $20.
 
Amendment VIII [8]
Prohibits excessive bail fines and cruel and unusual punishment - Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
 
Amendment IX [9]     
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be constructed to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.
 
Amendment X [10]
Powers not given to the federal Government belong to the states or to the people - The powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states respectively, or to the people.
 
Amendment XI [11]
Suits against the state must be tried in state courts: The judicial power of U.S. cannot extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the U.S. by citizens of another state or by citizens of a foreign state.
 
Amendment XI1 [12]
President and Vice Presidential electoral procedure revised: a) Electors meet in states to vote. b) Majority of votes wins c) Names of candidates for VP and Presidential appear on distinct ballots. d) If Electoral College doesn't reach a majority vote, the House of Representatives vote.
 
Amendment XIII [13]
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime shall exist in the U.S. or anywhere subject to its jurisdiction.
 
Amendment XIV [I4]
No state shall make or enforce any law that abridges the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S., nor shall the state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny any person equal protection under the law. Part 2 - Each state will count its representatives as whole numbers of persons.
 
Amendment XV [15]
The right of US. citizens to vote no matter race, color or previous condition of servitude- Congress has the power to enforce this.
 
Amendment XVI [16]
Income Tax: Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes whatever source derived without regard to any census or enumeration.
 
Amendment XVII [I7]
The Senate shall be composed of 2 Senators from each state elected by the people for 6 years.
 
Amendment XVIII [18]
The manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors is prohibited.
 
Amendment XIX [19]
The rights of citizens to vote shall not be denied on the account of sex. Congress shall enforce.
 
Amendment XX [20]
The terms of Pres. and V.P. shall end at noon the 20th day of January - Terms of Senators and Reps shall end on the 3rd day of January at 12:OO noon. a) Congress assembles at least once per year b) If President-elect dies, V.P.-elect becomes President. c) If neither the President or the VP qualifies, the Congress can select the President until a President or VP shall have qualified.
 
Amendment XXI [21]
18th Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of liquor is repealed.
 
Amendment XXII [22]
President cannot be elected more than twice.
 
Amendment XXIII [23]
Gives Washington D.C. residents the right to vote for President and Vice President.
 
Amendment XXIV [24]
The right of citizens of U.S. to vote for President, V.P., Senators or representatives shall not be denied due to failure to pay poll tax or other tax.
 
Amendment XXV [25]
Presidential succession: a) If Pres. resigns, is removed or dies in office, V P. becomes President b) If vacancy in V.P. office - Pres. nominates. c) If President is unable to carry out his/her duties then V.P. assumes office as acting President.
 
Amendment XXVI [26]
Voting age is lowered: citizens of the U.S., 18 years or older may not be denied the right to vote.
 
Amendment XXVII
also known as the Congressional Compensation Act of 1789) to the United States Constitution states that any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress may take effect only after the next election of the House of Representatives has occurred.
 
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Amendments
The amendment processes
 
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
(The basic) rights of Americans
(The basic) rights of people living in the United States
 
Which part of the U.S Constitution protects the freedom of religion?
The bill of rights (1st amendment)
 
What is the first phrase of the U.S Constitution?
“We the people of the U.S, in order to form a more perfect union”
 
What does the US constitution do?
Set up the federal government of the United States
 
What are the three basic rights included in the first amendment?
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of press
 
Which is a core theme of the Anti-Federalist papers?
Federal government should support enumerated individual rights
 
First 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution are called?
Bill of rights
 
According to the authors of the Declaration of Independence, who is responsible for protecting natural rights?
The government
 
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Declared independence from Great Britain
 
Which of the following documents provided an outline for a state centered government?
Articles of confederation
 
Which document represents the supreme law of the land?
The US Constitution
 
In what 1620 document do the writers form a “civil body politic”?
The Mayflower Compact
 
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *
Twenty-seven (27)
 
Which political philosopher’s ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
 
What is the principal function of a written constitution?
outlining the structure and powers of a government
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
Article I
 
Which of the following statements regarding the Monroe Doctrine is accurate
The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
 
Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances.
 
A man is walking down a public street window-shopping.  A robbery is reported in that same area.
Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping.
On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?
Fourth Amendment
 
Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.
 
What is the form of government of the United States?
Republic
Constitution-based federal republic
Representative democracy
 
In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledged to unite into “a civil body politic”
and agreed to make and abide by laws that “insured the general Good of the Colony.”
What founding document did this set a precedent for?
U.S. Constitution
 
Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.
 
According to the constitution, a supreme court judge must:
The constitution says nothing about qualifications for judges
 
A man is walking down a public street window-shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?
Fourth Amendment
 
Which Amendment prohibits a sitting congress from giving itself a pay raise.
27th Amendment
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
 Article I
 
In Mcculloch v. Maryland, the supreme court declared that
Congress can pass any laws that are "Necessary and proper"
 
What is the supreme law of the land? *
(U.S.) Constitution
 
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Forms the government
Defines powers of government
Defines the parts of government
Protects the rights of the people
 
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
Self-government
Popular sovereignty
Consent of the governed
People should govern themselves
(Example of) social contract
 
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It says America is free from British control.
It says all people are created equal.
It identifies inherent rights.
It identifies individual freedoms
 
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
 
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Equality
Liberty
Social contract
Natural rights
Limited government
Self-government
 
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
 
This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1781 during the Revolutionary War to create a national government. The new government was weak because states held most of the power, and Congress lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or control the coining of money. It was later replaced with the U.S. Constitution.
Articles of Confederation
 
What is the purpose of the 22nd amendment:
Limits the president to two terms
 
Why was the first amendment important to the Texas v. Johnson decision of 1989?
The first amendment protects people with different or unpopular ideas.
 
Which amendments expanded protections for voting rights (check all that apply):
15, 19, 24, and 26
 
The Constitution established a system of "dual sovereignty," under which the states have surrendered some of their powers to the federal government, but also retained some sovereignty. All other powers were to be held by the states, local communities, or the people themselves in a concept known as:
Federalism
 
The Constitution used the Virginia Plan's two-house, or "bicameral," legislature, but it accorded proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. This feature of Congress is a result of:
The Great Compromise
 
During the ratification of the Constitution, Federalists eventually agreed to support further ratification of ten amendments to the Constitution in order to appease Anti-Federalists' fears of an overwhelming national government that could impinge upon personal liberties. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the:
Bill of Rights
 
Signing a petition in support or in opposition to pending legislation is an exercise of which Amendment?
The First Amendment
 
The Fourth Amendment:
prevents "unreasonable searches and seizures," and requires authorities to show probable cause to obtain warrants to search
dwellings and seize property.
 
Which Amendment provides that "no persons shall be compelled in any criminal case to testify against themselves,"
that is, to submit to self-incrimination?
The Fifth Amendment
 
Which founding document directly influenced the American Bill of Rights (1791)?
English Declaration of Rights (1689)
 
Which feature of the Constitution did the Anti-Federalists fear would lead to the emergence of tyranny?
the provisions that created a government without direct responsibility to the citizens
 
Which part of the U.S. Constitution declares it to be the supreme law of the land?
Article VI
 
Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances.
 
Use the passage below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice...
Constitution for the United States of America."
Enlightenment
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
Article I
 
What document was written by George Mason and served as a model for the first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution?
Virginia Declaration of Rights
 
What document guaranteed the colonists the same rights of Englishmen?
Charter of the Virginia Company of London
 
The "right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is found in what document?
Declaration of Indepencence
 
What are the unalienable rights listed in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
 
Weakness of which document led to the writing of the US Constitution?
Articles of Confederation
 
What document by Thomas Jefferson influenced the First Amendment's freedom of religion?
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
 
Who is the "Father of the US Constitution"?
James Madison
 
Which document stated the colonists' grievances against King George?
Declaration Of Independence
 
Which document guarantees rights to Americans and protects them from government abuses?
Bill of Rights
 
Which document created the first form of government for the US?
Articles of Confederation
 
Which document stated why the colonists wanted to break away from Great Britain?
Declaration of Independence
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
 
Each state had one vote in the lawmaking house under
Articles of Confederation
 
This document guaranteed freedom of religion to Virginians
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
 
Under which document was the government unable to charge taxes or enforce laws?
Articles of Confederation
 
A written plan of government
Constitution
 
What are some of the principles in the Constitution?
Majority Rule, Minority Rights, Equality Under the Law
 
Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America."
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.
 
What amendment gives citizenship to all persons born in the United States?
14th Amendment
 
What founding document was written in 1787?
(U.S.) Constitution
 
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
Publius
 
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
 
Use the passage below, which was included in the Declaration of Sentiments adopted at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848,
to answer the question that follows.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (Original work published 1848)
Which of the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments?
Declaration of Independence
 
Which political philosopher's ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
 
In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledged to unite into "a civil body politic" and agreed to make and abide by laws that
"insured the general Good of the Colony."
What founding document did this set a precedent for?
U.S. Constitution
 
Which person is considered to be the principal author of the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison
 
Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies?
The colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights.
 
Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding document?
U.S. Constitution
 
Use the excerpt below, from the Thirteenth Amendment, to answer the question that follows.
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for the above language?
Northwest Ordinances
 
The Mayflower Compact includes a pledge to ensure that all citizens look out for the general good of the colony.
Based on this, what impact has the Mayflower Compact had on modern understanding of the purpose of government in the United States?
The government should provide equal protection under the law.
 
Which of the following statements regarding the Monroe Doctrine is accurate?
The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
 
By what process were eighteen-year-olds fully granted the right to vote?
constitutional amendment
 
Use the passage below, taken from a presidential nomination speech, to answer the question that follows.
"What do the people of America want more than anything else? To my mind, they want two things: work, . . . and with work,
a reasonable measure of security . . ." Source: National Archives and Records Administration Based on the passage,
which government program would the speaker support?
New Deal
 
In order to attract investment and business and reduce expenses, a state legislature proposes passing a law that removes the need for certain
federal regulatory features relating to office and factory environments.
Which legislative action would most likely cause the U.S. Supreme Court to decide that this violated the Supremacy Clause?
D. Occupational Safety and Health Act
 
How does the Magna Carta provide a foundation for the English perspective of participatory governance?
It establishes a basis for individual rights.
 
What led to the creation of the English Declaration of Rights (sometimes known as the "English Bill of Rights") in 1689?
Tension over who should rule; an individual or the people
 
Who is considered to have been the most influential Enlightenment philosopher on the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
 
What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact?
It is the first attempt by Europeans of self-government in the colonies.
 
What aspect of the U.S. Constitution was influenced by Montesquieu?
Separation of powers
 
For what purpose were the Federalist Papers written?
To support ratification of the Constitution and explain its commitment to limited government.
 
What did the anti-Federalist want the Constitution to include?
A bill of rights
 
What rights are listed in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
 
For what purpose did Thomas Paine write Common Sense?
To encourage the colonists to demand independence from Great Britain
 
Which of the following were thought to be weaknesses of the government laid out by the Articles of Confederation?
no power to tax and no executive or judiciary
 
Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that forbids any state to deny to any person equal protection of the laws. This clause is the major constitutional restraint on the power of governments to discriminate against persons because of race, national origin, or sex.
Equal Protection Clause
 
The series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed U.S. Constitution; argued against a strong central government and pushed for more protection of the people's rights
Anti-Federalist Papers
 
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Federalist Papers
Anti-Federalist Papers
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Mayflower Compact
Iroquois Great Law of Peace
  Magna Carta: (1215)
Agreement between King John and Nobles - Established Rule of Law: everyone including the King must follow the law
Magna Carta was issued in June 1215 and was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his
government was not above the law. It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal
authority by establishing law as a power.
 
Charter of the Virginia Company of London: (1609)
King James of England - Guaranteed Rights of Englishmen to the Colonists - Guaranteed overseas settlers the same rights
of Englishmen that they would have enjoyed if they had stayed at home
On April 10, 1606, King James I of England granted the following charter to the investors of the Virginia Company of London.
It permitted them to settle a swath of the North American coast and led to the establishment of Jamestown a year later.
 
Virginia Declaration of Rights: (May 1776)
George Mason - Stated that people have INHERENT RIGHTS - Served as a MODEL for the BILL OF RIGHTS
declaration of rights of the citizen adopted June 12, 1776, by the constitutional convention of the colony
of Virginia. It was a model for the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution 15 years later.
 
The Declaration of Independence: (July 4, 1776)
written by THOMAS JEFFERSON
Declared Colonies had the right to be FREE and INDEPENDENT from Britain
Stated GRIEVANCES (complaints) against the King.
Stated that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL and have certain UNALIENABLE
RIGHTS (rights that can't be taken away) "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
Declaration of Independence
Adopted on July 4, 1776 establishing the 13 American colonies as independent states, free from rule by Great Britain.
The preamble (first section) lists our unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
 
Articles of Confederation: (1781)
The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power
with the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the
Constitutional Convention in 1787.
These WEAKNESSES led to the writing of the US CONSTITUTION
 
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786)
-Thomas Jefferson
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom is a statement about both freedom of conscience and the principle of separation
of church and state. Written by Thomas Jefferson and passed by the Virginia General Assembly on January 16, 1786,
it is the forerunner of the first amendment protections for religious freedom.
It guaranteed Virginians FREEDOM OF RELIGION and influenced the first amendment.
 
U.S. Constitution (1787)
"Supreme law of the land" Was written at a Constitutional Convention in Phillidelphia in 1787.
Established the Structure of our Government.
Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected
 
Constitutional Convention (1787)
The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation
and give more power to the central government. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution.
 
New Jersey Plan or “The Paterson Plan” (1787)
A constitutional proposal that would have given each state one vote in a new congress Favored SMALL states.
He is probably best known, however, as the author of “The Small State Plan,” alternately called “The New Jersey Plan” or “The Paterson Plan,”
proposed on June 15, 1787. The document was a response to the Virginia Plan, which would have given proportional power to the
states based on their number of citizens.
 
Anti-Federalist Papers (1787)
a series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed U.S. Constitution; argued against a strong central government
and pushed for more protection of the people's rights.
Starting on 25 September 1787 (eight days after the final draft of the US Constitution) and running through the early 1790s,
these Anti-Federalists published a series of essays arguing against the ratification of the new Constitution.
 
Virginia Plan (1787)
Introduced to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, James Madison's Virginia Plan outlined a strong national government
with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation
of each state in Congress based on that state's population Favored LARGE states.
 
The Great Compromise (1787)
The Connecticut Compromise (also known as the Great Compromise of 1787 or Sherman Compromise) was an agreement
reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation
each state would have under the United States Constitution. created two houses (bicameral) in Congress;
one based on population (Virginia Plan) and the other gave equal representation (New Jersey Plan) to each state.
Bicameral - 2 houses
HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES would be based on POPULATION,
the SENATE would have TWO representatives from each state.
 
Constitution (Written 1787)
Ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789.
The Constitution of the United States established America’s national government and fundamental laws,
and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. 
The Bill of Rights were 10 amendments guaranteeing basic individual protections,
such as freedom of speech and religion, that became part of the Constitution in 1791.
To date, there are 27 constitutional amendments.
 
Bill of Rights (1791)
FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS added to the Constitution. PROTECTED citizens from abuses of power by the national government
Guarantees Equality under the Law
 
Amendment I [I]
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
 
Amendment II [2]
Rights to bear arms: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
 
Amendment III [3]     
Housing of Troops: No soldier, shall in, times of peace be quartered in any house without consent of the owner, nor in any time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
 
Amendment IV [4]
Prohibition of Unreasonable Search & Seizure: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, support by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
 
Amendment V [5]
Rights of Accused persons: No persons shall be held to answer for capital, or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the Military when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any case (crime) to be a witness against himself nor have his property taken for public use without compensation.
 
Amendment VI [6]     
Right of a person accused of a crime. Right to a speedy trial: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial and public trial, by an impartial jury of the senate and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witness against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witness in his favor, and have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
 
Amendment VII [7]
Right of trial by jury: In suits at common law where the value in controversy shall exceed $20.
 
Amendment VIII [8]
Prohibits excessive bail fines and cruel and unusual punishment - Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
 
Amendment IX [9]     
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be constructed to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.
 
Amendment X [10]
Powers not given to the federal Government belong to the states or to the people - The powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states respectively, or to the people.
 
Amendment XI [11]
Suits against the state must be tried in state courts: The judicial power of U.S. cannot extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the U.S. by citizens of another state or by citizens of a foreign state.
 
Amendment XI1 [12]
President and Vice Presidential electoral procedure revised: a) Electors meet in states to vote. b) Majority of votes wins c) Names of candidates for VP and Presidential appear on distinct ballots. d) If Electoral College doesn't reach a majority vote, the House of Representatives vote.
 
Amendment XIII [13]
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime shall exist in the U.S. or anywhere subject to its jurisdiction.
 
Amendment XIV [I4]
No state shall make or enforce any law that abridges the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S., nor shall the state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny any person equal protection under the law. Part 2 - Each state will count its representatives as whole numbers of persons.
 
Amendment XV [15]
The right of US. citizens to vote no matter race, color or previous condition of servitude- Congress has the power to enforce this.
 
Amendment XVI [16]
Income Tax: Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes whatever source derived without regard to any census or enumeration.
 
Amendment XVII [I7]
The Senate shall be composed of 2 Senators from each state elected by the people for 6 years.
 
Amendment XVIII [18]
The manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors is prohibited.
 
Amendment XIX [19]
The rights of citizens to vote shall not be denied on the account of sex. Congress shall enforce.
 
Amendment XX [20]
The terms of Pres. and V.P. shall end at noon the 20th day of January - Terms of Senators and Reps shall end on the 3rd day of January at 12:OO noon. a) Congress assembles at least once per year b) If President-elect dies, V.P.-elect becomes President. c) If neither the President or the VP qualifies, the Congress can select the President until a President or VP shall have qualified.
 
Amendment XXI [21]
18th Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of liquor is repealed.
 
Amendment XXII [22]
President cannot be elected more than twice.
 
Amendment XXIII [23]
Gives Washington D.C. residents the right to vote for President and Vice President.
 
Amendment XXIV [24]
The right of citizens of U.S. to vote for President, V.P., Senators or representatives shall not be denied due to failure to pay poll tax or other tax.
 
Amendment XXV [25]
Presidential succession: a) If Pres. resigns, is removed or dies in office, V P. becomes President b) If vacancy in V.P. office - Pres. nominates. c) If President is unable to carry out his/her duties then V.P. assumes office as acting President.
 
Amendment XXVI [26]
Voting age is lowered: citizens of the U.S., 18 years or older may not be denied the right to vote.
 
Amendment XXVII
also known as the Congressional Compensation Act of 1789) to the United States Constitution states that any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress may take effect only after the next election of the House of Representatives has occurred.
 
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Amendments
The amendment processes
 
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
(The basic) rights of Americans
(The basic) rights of people living in the United States
 
Which part of the U.S Constitution protects the freedom of religion?
The bill of rights (1st amendment)
 
What is the first phrase of the U.S Constitution?
“We the people of the U.S, in order to form a more perfect union”
 
What does the US constitution do?
Set up the federal government of the United States
 
What are the three basic rights included in the first amendment?
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of press
 
Which is a core theme of the Anti-Federalist papers?
Federal government should support enumerated individual rights
 
First 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution are called?
Bill of rights
 
According to the authors of the Declaration of Independence, who is responsible for protecting natural rights?
The government
 
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Declared independence from Great Britain
 
Which of the following documents provided an outline for a state centered government?
Articles of confederation
 
Which document represents the supreme law of the land?
The US Constitution
 
In what 1620 document do the writers form a “civil body politic”?
The Mayflower Compact
 
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *
Twenty-seven (27)
 
Which political philosopher’s ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
 
What is the principal function of a written constitution?
outlining the structure and powers of a government
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
Article I
 
Which of the following statements regarding the Monroe Doctrine is accurate
The Monroe Doctrine prohibited future European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
 
Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances.
 
A man is walking down a public street window-shopping.  A robbery is reported in that same area.
Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping.
On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?
Fourth Amendment
 
Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.
 
What is the form of government of the United States?
Republic
Constitution-based federal republic
Representative democracy
 
In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledged to unite into “a civil body politic”
and agreed to make and abide by laws that “insured the general Good of the Colony.”
What founding document did this set a precedent for?
U.S. Constitution
 
Use the provided Preamble to the United States Constitution to answer the question.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Which of the following statements best describes the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
Governments are accountable to the citizens over whom they rule.
 
According to the constitution, a supreme court judge must:
The constitution says nothing about qualifications for judges
 
A man is walking down a public street window-shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights?
Fourth Amendment
 
Which Amendment prohibits a sitting congress from giving itself a pay raise.
27th Amendment
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
 Article I
 
In Mcculloch v. Maryland, the supreme court declared that
Congress can pass any laws that are "Necessary and proper"
 
What is the supreme law of the land? *
(U.S.) Constitution
 
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Forms the government
Defines powers of government
Defines the parts of government
Protects the rights of the people
 
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
Self-government
Popular sovereignty
Consent of the governed
People should govern themselves
(Example of) social contract
 
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It says America is free from British control.
It says all people are created equal.
It identifies inherent rights.
It identifies individual freedoms
 
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
 
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Equality
Liberty
Social contract
Natural rights
Limited government
Self-government
 
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
 
This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1781 during the Revolutionary War to create a national government. The new government was weak because states held most of the power, and Congress lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or control the coining of money. It was later replaced with the U.S. Constitution.
Articles of Confederation
 
What is the purpose of the 22nd amendment:
Limits the president to two terms
 
Why was the first amendment important to the Texas v. Johnson decision of 1989?
The first amendment protects people with different or unpopular ideas.
 
Which amendments expanded protections for voting rights (check all that apply):
15, 19, 24, and 26
 
The Constitution established a system of "dual sovereignty," under which the states have surrendered some of their powers to the federal government, but also retained some sovereignty. All other powers were to be held by the states, local communities, or the people themselves in a concept known as:
Federalism
 
The Constitution used the Virginia Plan's two-house, or "bicameral," legislature, but it accorded proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. This feature of Congress is a result of:
The Great Compromise
 
During the ratification of the Constitution, Federalists eventually agreed to support further ratification of ten amendments to the Constitution in order to appease Anti-Federalists' fears of an overwhelming national government that could impinge upon personal liberties. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the:
Bill of Rights
 
Signing a petition in support or in opposition to pending legislation is an exercise of which Amendment?
The First Amendment
 
The Fourth Amendment:
prevents "unreasonable searches and seizures," and requires authorities to show probable cause to obtain warrants to search
dwellings and seize property.
 
Which Amendment provides that "no persons shall be compelled in any criminal case to testify against themselves,"
that is, to submit to self-incrimination?
The Fifth Amendment
 
Which founding document directly influenced the American Bill of Rights (1791)?
English Declaration of Rights (1689)
 
Which feature of the Constitution did the Anti-Federalists fear would lead to the emergence of tyranny?
the provisions that created a government without direct responsibility to the citizens
 
Which part of the U.S. Constitution declares it to be the supreme law of the land?
Article VI
 
Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint?
The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances.
 
Use the passage below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice
Constitution for the United States of America."
Enlightenment
 
Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties?
Article I
 
What document was written by George Mason and served as a model for the first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution?
Virginia Declaration of Rights
 
What document guaranteed the colonists the same rights of Englishmen?
Charter of the Virginia Company of London
 
The "right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is found in what document?
Declaration of Indepencence
 
What are the unalienable rights listed in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
 
Weakness of which document led to the writing of the US Constitution?
Articles of Confederation
 
What document by Thomas Jefferson influenced the First Amendment's freedom of religion?
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
 
Who is the "Father of the US Constitution"?
James Madison
 
Which document stated the colonists' grievances against King George?
Declaration Of Independence
 
Which document guarantees rights to Americans and protects them from government abuses?
Bill of Rights
 
Which document created the first form of government for the US?
Articles of Confederation
 
Which document stated why the colonists wanted to break away from Great Britain?
Declaration of Independence
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
 
Each state had one vote in the lawmaking house under
Articles of Confederation
 
This document guaranteed freedom of religion to Virginians
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
 
Under which document was the government unable to charge taxes or enforce laws?
Articles of Confederation
 
A written plan of government
Constitution