7th Grade World History Medieval to Early Modern Times Reference part 1 Declaration of Independence US Constitution

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Vocabulary impel force endowed provided wrongful seizures of power evinces clearly displays despotism unlimited power tyranny oppressive power exerted by a government or ruler candid fair The Declaration of Independence In Congress , 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States ofAmerica , When in the Course of human events , it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another , and to assume among the Powers of the earth , the separate and equal tion to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature God entitle them , a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation . We hold these truths to be , that all men are created equal , that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights , that among these are Life , Liberty , and the pursuit of Happiness . That to secure these rights , Governments are instituted among Men , deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed , That whenever any Form of becomes destructive of these ends , it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it , and to institute new Government , laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form , as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness . Prudence , indeed , will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes and accordingly all experience hath shown , that mankind are more disposed to suffer , while evils are sufferable , than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed . But when a long train of abuses and , pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism , it is their right , it is their duty , to throw off such Government , and to provide new Guards for their future has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government . The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and , all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States . To prove this , let Facts be submitted to a candid world . He has refused his Assent to laws , the most wholesome and necessary for the public good . He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and ing importance , unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained and when so suspended , he has utterly neglected to attend to them . DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people , unless those people would relinquish the right of tion in the Legislature , a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only . He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual , uncomfortable , and distant from the depository of their Public Records , for the sole pose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures . He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly , for opposing with manly his invasions on the rights of the people . He has refused for a long time , after such , to cause others to be elected whereby the Legislative Powers , incapable of Annihilation , have returned to the People at large for their exercise the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without , and convulsions within . He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States for that pose obstructing the laws of Naturalization of Foreigners refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither , and raising the tions of new Appropriations of Lands . He has obstructed the Administration of Justice , by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers . He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone , for the tenure of their offices , and the amount and payment of their salaries . He has erected a multitude of New Offices , and sent hither swarms of to harass our people , and eat out their substance . He has kept among us , in times of peace , Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature . He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power . He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution , and unacknowledged by our laws giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended legislation For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us For protecting them , by a mock Trial , from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world For imposing taxes on us without our Consent For depriving us in many cases , of the benefits of Trial by Jury Vocabulary relinquish release , yield . priceless formidable causing dread annihilation destruction convulsions violent disturbances naturalization of foreigners the process by which , persons become citizens appropriations ol lands setting aside land for settlement tenure term a multitude of many lodging , housing ( INI ! DECLARATION or INDEPENDENCE

Vocabulary arbitrary not based on law render make abdicated given up mercenaries soldiers hired to fight for a country not their own violation of trust insurrections rebellions petitioned for redress asked a correction of wrongs unwarrantable jurisdiction unjustified authority magnanimity generous spirit . conjured urgently called upon consanguinity common ancestry acquiesce ' DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province , establishing therein an Arbitrary government , and enlarging its aries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for the same absolute rule into these Colonies For taking away our Charters , abolishing our most valuable Laws , and ing fundamentally the Forms of our Governments For suspending our own Legislature , and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever . He has abdicated Government here , by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us . He has plundered our seas , ravaged our Coasts , burnt our towns , and destroyed the lives of our people . He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to the works of death , desolation and tyranny , already begun with circumstances of Cruelty scarcely paralleled in the most ages , and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation . He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country , to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren , or to fall themselves by their Hands . He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us , and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers , the merciless Indian Savages , whose known rule of warfare , is an undistinguished destruction of all ages , sexes and conditions . In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury . A Prince , whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant , is to be the ruler of a free People . Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren . We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an over us . We have reminded them of the of our emigration and settlement here . We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity , and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these , which , would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence . They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity . We must , therefore , acquiesce in the necessity , which denounces our Separation , and hold them , as we hold the rest of mankind , Enemies in War , in Peace Friends . DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

We , therefore , the Representatives of the united States of America , in eral Congress , Assembled , appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions , do , in the Name , and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies , solemnly publish and declare , That these United Colonies are , and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown , and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain , is and ought to be totally dissolved and that as Free and Independent States , they have full Power to levy War , conclude Peace , contract Alliances , establish Commerce , and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do . And for the support of this Declaration , with a ance on the Protection of Divine Providence , we mutually pledge to each other our Lives , our Fortunes and our sacred Honor . John Hancock Benjamin Harrison Lewis Morris Button Thomas Nelson , Richard Stockton Lyman Hall Francis Lightfoot Lee John Witherspoon George Walton Carter Braxton Francis William Hooper Robert Morris John Hart Joseph Hewes Benjamin Rush Abraham Clark John Penn Benjamin Franklin Josiah Bartlett Edward Rutledge John Morton William Whipple Thomas , George Samuel Adams Thomas Lynch , James Smith John Adams Arthur Middleton George Taylor Robert Treat Paine Samuel Chase James Wilson Gerry William Paca George Ross Stephen Hopkins Thomas Stone Caesar Rodney William Ellery Charles Carroll George Read Roger Sherman of George Thomas Samuel Huntington William Floyd William Williams Richard Henry Lee Philip Livingston Oliver Wolcott Thomas Jefferson Francis Lewis Matthew Thornton DECLARATION or INDEPENDENCE Vocabulary . rightness ' I ' I HI In

The Constitution of the United States Preamble 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 lish this Constitution for the United States of America . Legislative Branch Article I explains how the legislative branch , called THE CONSTITUTION Congress , is organized . The chief ofthe , Article I The Legislature legislative branch is to make laws . Congress is Section made up of the Senate and the House of All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States , which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives . Section . I The House of Representatives The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States , and the in each State shall have the requisite for Electors of the The House of most numerous Branch of the State Legislature . The number of ( embers . No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have each state has In the House , is based on the of attained to the Age of twenty five Years , and been seven Years a Citizen of the 1929 the United States , and who shall not , when elected , be an of that State in which he shall be chosen . the size of the House at 435 . Number of Representatives Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union , according to their respective members . The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States , and within every subsequent Term of ten Years , in such Manner as they shall by Law direct . The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every Vocabulary those bound to Service indentured servants all other Persons slaves Enumeration census or official population count Note The parts of the Constitution that have been lined through are no longer in force or no longer apply because of later titles of the sections and articles are added for easier reference .

thirty Thousand , but each State shall have at Least one When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State , the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to such Vacancies . and Impeachment The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other and shall have the sole Power of impeachment . Section . Number of Senators The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State , for six Years and each Senator shall have one Vote . Immediately after they shall be assembled in of the first Election , they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes . The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year , of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year , and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year , so that one third may be chosen every second Year No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years , and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States , and who shall not , when elected , be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen . Role of The Vice President of the United States shall be dent of the Senate , but shall have no Vote , unless they be equally divided . The Senate shall choose their other Officers , and also a dent pro , in the Absence of the Vice President , or when he shall exercise the of President of the United States . The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all When sitting for that Purpose , they shall be on Oath or . When the President of the United States is tried , the Chief Justice shall preside And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present . Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from , and to hold ' The Vice President The only duty that the Constitution assigns to the vice president is to preside over meetings ofthe Senate . Modern presidents have usually given their vice presidents more responsibilities . Vocabulary temporarily official accusations of federal wrongdoing THE CONSTITUTION

THE CONSTITUTION Vocabulary Quorum the minimum ii number of people needed to conduct business to stop indefinitely salary THE CONSTITUTION and enjoy any Office of honor , Trust or under the United States but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment , Trial , Judgment and Punishment , according to Law . Section . Congressional Elections The Times , Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives , shall be prescribed in each State by the thereof but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations , except as to the Places of choosing Senators . Section . Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections , Returns and of its own Members , and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day , and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members , in such Manner , and under such Penalties as each House may provide . Rules and Conduct Each House may determine the Rules of its ings , punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour , and , with the of two thirds , expel a Member . Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings , and from time to time publish the same , excepting such Parts as may in their ment require Secrecy and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall , at the Desire of one fifth of those Present , be entered on the Journal . Neither House , during the Session of Congress , shall , without the Consent of the other , adjourn for more than three days , not to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting . Section . The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services , to be ascertained by Law , and paid out of the Treasury of the United States . They shall in all Cases , except Treason , Felony and Breach of the Peace , be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses , and in going to and returning from the same and for any Speech or Debate in either House , they shall not be questioned in any other Place . No Senator or Representative shall , during the Time for which he was elected , be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States , which shall have been created , or the .

whereof shall have been increased during such time and no Person ing any Office under the United States , shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office . Section . How a Bill Becomes a Law Bills All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills . Every Bill which shall have passed the House of and the Senate , shall , before it become a Law , be presented to the President of the United States if he approve he shall sign it , but if not he shall return it , with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated , who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal , and proceed to reconsider it . If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill , it shall be sent , together with the tions , to the other House , by which it shall likewise be reconsidered , and if approved by two thirds of that House , it shall become a Law . But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays , and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively . If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days ( Sundays excepted ) after it shall have been presented to him , the Same shall be a Law , in like Manner as if he had signed it , unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return , in which Case it shall not be a Law . Role of the President Every Order , Resolution , or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be ( except on a question of Adjournment ) shall be presented to the dent of the United States and before the Same shall take Effect , shall be approved by him , or being disapproved by him , shall be by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives , according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill . Section . Powers Granted to Congress The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes , Duties , and , to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States but all Duties , and shall be uniform throughout the United States To borrow Money on the credit of the United States To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations , and among the several States , and with the Indian Tribes To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization , and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States Vocabulary Continuance term ' Bills proposed laws Duties tariffs taxes internal taxes on the manufacture , sale , or consumption of a Rule of Naturalization ' a law by which a person becomes a citizen THE CONSTITUTION ! i .

Vocabulary Securities bonds ' Letters of Marque and Reprisal documents issued by governments allowing merchant ships to arm themselves and attack ships of an enemy I THE CONSTITUTION The Elastic Clause The framers of the Constitution wanted a national was strong enough to be effective . This section lists the powers given to Congress . The last portion of Section contains the elastic clause . THE CONSTITUTION To coin Money , regulate the Value thereof , and of foreign Coin , and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures . Counterfeiting To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and Current Coin of the United States To establish Post and post Roads . Patents and Copyrights To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts , by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court International Law To and punish and Felonies on the high Seas , and Offences against the Law of Nations To declare War , grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal , and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water To raise and support Armies , but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years 13 . Navy To provide and maintain a Navy 14 . Regulation of the Military To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union , suppress and repel Invasions Militia To provide for organizing , arming , and disciplining , the Militia , and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States , reserving to the States , the Appointment of the Officers , and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress 17 . District To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever , over such District ( not exceeding ten Miles square ) as may , by Cession of particular States , and the Acceptance of Congress , become the Seat of the Government of the United States , and to exercise like ity over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be , for the Erection of Forts , Magazines , Arsenals , and other needful Buildings 18 . Necessary and Proper Clause To make all Laws which shall be and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers , and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States , or in any Department or Officer thereof . Section . Powers Denied Congress

. Habeas Corpus The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended , unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it . Illegal Punishment No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed . No or other direct , Tax shall be laid , unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken . Export Taxes No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State . No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another nor shall Vessels bound to , or from , one State , be obliged to enter , clear , or pay Duties in another . No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury , but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be from time to time . No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States And no Person holding any Office of or under them , shall , without the Consent of the Congress , accept of any present , Emolument , Office , or Title , of any kind whatever , from any King , Prince , or foreign State . Section 10 . Powers Denied the States No State shall enter into any Treaty , Alliance , or grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal coin Money emit Bills of Credit make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts pass any Bill of Attainder , ex post facto law , or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts , or grant any Title of Nobility . and Export Taxes No State shall , without the Consent of the Congress , lay any or Duties on Imports or Exports , except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it inspection Laws and the net Produce of all Duties and , laid by any State on Imports or Exports , shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Congress . Peacetime and War Restraints No State shall , without the Consent of Congress , lay any Duty of Tonnage , keep Troops , or Ships of War in time of Peace , enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State , or with a foreign Power , or engage in War , unless actually invaded , or in such Danger as will not admit of delay . Vocabulary Writ oi Habeas Corpus a court requires the government to bring a court and explain why he or she is being held Bill declaring that a person is guilty of a particular crime ex post Law a law that is made effective prior to the date that it ' was passed and therefore ' punishes people that were not illegal at the time , capitation uniform tax imposed on I each head , or person THE CONSTITUTION '

I The Executive Section . The Presidency Branch , of The executive Power shall be vested in a President of The ' 19 the United States of America . He shall hold his the Term of four Years , and , together with the Vice President , chosen for the same enforce the , be elected , as follows . cee . Electoral College Each State shall appoint , in such Manner as the terms of thereof may direct , a Number of Electors , equal to the whole and ber of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled be those of in the Congress but no Senator or Representative , or Person holding an a ' 95 of Trust or under the United States , shall be a an decided on Lu . Elector . butthey had a ' Former Method of Electing President a A vi ' Hi i set up an electoral system , which varies from our electoral process today . Presidential Elections In 1845 Congress set the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of every fourth year as the general election date for selecting presidential electors . Election Day The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors , and the Day on which they shall give their Votes which Day shall be the same throughout the United States . No Person except a natural born , shall be eligible to the of President neither shall any Person be eligible to

that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years , and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States . In Case of the Removal of the President from Office , or of his Death , Resignation , or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said , the Same shall devolve on the Vice President , and the may by law provide for the Case of Removal , Death , Resignation or inability , both of the President and Vice President , declaring what shall then act as President , and such shall act accordingly , until the Disability be removed , or a President shall be elected . The President shall , at stated Times , receive for his Services , a Compensation , which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected , and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States , or any of them . Before he enter on the Execution of his , he shall take the following Oath or I do solemnly swear ( or ) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States , and will to the best of my Ability , preserve , protect and defend the of the United Section . Powers of Presidency The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States , and of the Militia of the several States , when called into the actual Service of the United States he may require the Opinion , in writing , of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments , upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices , and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and dons for Offences against the United States , except in Cases of ment . and Appointments He shall have Power , by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate , to make Treaties , provided two thirds of the Senators present concur and he shall nominate , and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate , shall appoint Ambassadors , other public Ministers and Consuls , Judges of the supreme Court , and all other Officers of the United States , whose Appointments are not herein wise provided for , and which shall be established by Law but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers , as they think proper , in the President alone , in the Courts of Law , or in the Heads of Departments . The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate , by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session . Presidential Salary in 1999 Congress voted to set future presidents salaries at . The president also receives an annual expense account . The president must pay taxes only on the salary . Commander in Chief Today the president is in charge ofthe anny , navy , air force , marines , and coast guard . Only Congress , ever , can decide ifthe United States will declare war . Appointments Most of the appointments to office must be approved by the Senate . Vocabulary Reprieves delays of , punishment Pardons the legal penalties associated with a crime me CONSTITUTION

Section . Presidential Duties The State of the Union Every president He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union , and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient he may , on extraordinary Occasions , the convene both Houses , or either of them , and in Case of Disagreement and explains a legislative between them , with Respect to the Time of Adjournment , he may adjourn plan for the coming year . them to such Time as he shall think proper he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed , and shall Commission all the of the United States . Section The President , Vice President and all civil of the United States , shall be removed from on Impeachment for , and Conviction of , Treason , Bribery , or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors , Judicial Branch Article III The Judiciary The Articles of ' a Section . Federal Courts and Judges set up a federal court THE CONSTITUTION . One of the first The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme ha ?

the framers Court , and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ) ordain and establish . The Judges , both of the supreme and inferior Courts , i national Inthe shall hold their Offices during good Behavior , and shall , at stated Times , Judiciary Act of 1789 , receive for their Services a Compensation , which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office . i establishment of lower courts , such as district . circuit of ' Authority The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases , in Law system provides a check and Equity , arising under this Constitution , the Laws of the United States , on the legislative branch and Treaties made , or which shall be made , under their Authority all it 03 declare law Cases affecting Ambassadors , other public Ministers and Consuls all unconstitutional . Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction Controversies to which the United States shall be a Controversies between two or more States Citizens of different States Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States I . Supreme Authority In all Cases affecting Ambassadors , other public Ministers and Consuls , and those in which a State shall be Party , the supreme I Court shall have original . In all the other Cases before , the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction , both as to Law and Fact , with such Exceptions , and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make . THE CONSTITUTION

The of all Crimes , except in Cases of Impeachment , shall be by Jury and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed but when not committed within any State , the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed . Section . Treason against the United States , shall consist only in ing War against them , or in adhering to their Enemies , giving them Aid and Comfort . No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act , or on Confession in open Court . The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason , but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood , or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted . Article IV i Relations among States Section . I State Acts and Records Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts , Records , and judicial Proceedings of every other State . And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts , Records and shall be proved , and the Effect thereof . Section . Rights of Citizens The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States . Extradition A Person charged in any State with Treason , Felony , or er Crime , who shall from Justice , and be found in another State , shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he , be delivered up , to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime . Section . New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States , or Parts of States , without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress . Vocabulary A Corruption of Blood punishing the family of a person convicted of treason The States States must honor the laws , records , and court decisions of other states . A person can not escape a legal obligation by moving from one state to another . THE CONSTITUTION '

THE CONSTITUTION , National Supremacy One of the biggest problems facing the delegates to the was the question of what would happen if a state law and a federal law conflicted . Which law would be followed ! Who would decide ?

The second clause of Article VI answers those questions . When a federal law and a state law disagree , the federal law overrides the state law . The Constitution . and other federal laws are the supreme Law of the Land . This clause is often called the supremacy clause . RIG THE CONSTITUTION Authority The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States and nothing in this shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States , or of any particular State . Section . Guarantees to the States The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government , and shall protect each of them against Invasion and on Application of the Legislature , or of the Executive ( when the Legislature can not be convened ) against domestic Violence . Article I Amending the Constitution The Congress , whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary , shall propose Amendments to this Constitution , or , on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States , shall call a tion for proposing Amendments , which , in either Case , shall be valid to all and Purposes , as Part of this Constitution , when by the of three fourths of the several States , or by Conventions in three fourths thereof , as the one or the other Mode of may be posed by the Congress Provided that Article VI Supremacy of National Government All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into , before the Adoption of this Constitution , shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution , as under the Confederation . This Constitution , and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof and all Treaties made , or which shall be made , under the Authority of the United States , shall be the supreme Law of the Land and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby , any Thing in the tion or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding . The Senators and Representatives before mentioned , and the Members of the several State Legislatures , and all executive and judicial , both of the United States and of the several States , shall be bound by Oath or , to support this Constitution but no religious Test shall ever be required as a to any or public Trust under the United States .

Article VII i The of the Conventions of nine States , shall be for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same . Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth in witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names , George President and deputy from Virginia Delaware South Carolina New York George Read ohn Rutledge Alexander Hamilton Gunning Bedford . Charles ohn Dickinson New Jersey Richard Charles William Jacob Broom Pierce Butler David , William Georgia Dayton ames William Few Daniel of Abraham Baldwin Pennsylvania St Thomas knife Benjamin Franklin Daniel Carroll New Thomas Mimi john Langdon Robert Morris Virginia Nicholas George Blair Thomas lames Madison Ir . Massachusetts Nathaniel ) North Carolina Rufus King William Richard Dobbs Connecticut Hugh Williamson William Samuel Secretary Roger Sherman Ratification The Articles of Confederation called for all 13 states to approve any revision to the Articles . The Constitution required that out of the 13 states would be needed to ratify the Constitution . The first state to ratify was Delaware , on December , 1787 . half years later , on May 29 , 1790 , Rhode Island became the last state to ratify the Constitution . THE CONSTITUTION

Bill of Rights One of the conditions set by several states for ratifying the Constitution was the inclusion of a bill of rights . Many people feared that a stronger central government might take away basic rights ofthe people that had been guaranteed in state constitutions . Vocabulary A quartered housed THE CONSTITUTION Warrants written orders authorizing a person to make an arrest , a seizure , or a search infamous disgraceful indictment the act of charging with a crime ascertained found out Rights of the Accused The Fifth , Sixth , and Seventh Amendments describe the procedures that courts must follow when trying people accused of crimes . Trials The Sixth Amendment makes several guarantees , including a prompt trial and a trial by a jury chosen from the state and district in which the crime was committed . THE Constitutional Amendments Note The 10 amendments to the Constitution were on December 15 , and form what is known as the Bill of Rights . Bill of Rights Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances . Amendment II 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 Ill No Soldier shall , in time of peace be quartered in any house , without the consent of the Owner , nor in time of war , but in a manner to be prescribed by law . Amend ment IV 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 , supported by Oath or , and particularly describing the place to be searched , and the persons or things to be seized . Amendment No person shall be held to answer for a 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 Militia , when in actual service in time of War or public danger nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself , nor be deprived of life , liberty , or property , without due process of law nor shall private property be taken for public use , without just compensation . Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions , the shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial , by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed , which district shall have been ascertained by law , and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation to be confronted with the witnesses against him to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor , and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence .

Amendment VII In suits at common law , where the value in controversy shall exceed ty dollars , the right of trial by jury shall be preserved , and no fact tried by a judy , shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States , than according to the rules of the common law . Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required , not excessive imposed , nor cruel and unusual punishments . Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution , of certain rights , shall not be to deny or disparage others retained by the people . Amendment The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution , nor prohibited by it to the States , are reserved to the States respectively , or to the people . Amendments Amend ment XI Passed by Congress March , 1794 . February , 1795 . Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity , commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State , or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State . Amend ment XII Passed by Congress December , June 15 , 1804 . The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for dent and , one of whom , at least , shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves they shall name in their ballots the son voted for as President , and in distinct ballots the person voted for as , and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President , and of all persons voted for as , and of the of votes for each , which lists they shall sign and certify , and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States , directed to the President of the Senate President of the Senate shall , in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives , open all the and the votes shall then be counted person having the greatest number of votes for President , shall be the President , if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed and if no person have such majority , then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President , the House of shall choose immediately , by ballot , the President . But in choosing the Vocabulary construed explained or I interpreted President and Vice President The Twelfth Amendment changed the election procedure for president and vice president . THE CONSTITUTION '

Vocabulary involuntary servitude being forced to work will THE CONSTITUTION Abolishing Slavery Although some slaves had been freed during the Civil War , slavery was not abolished until the Thirteenth Amendment took effect . Protecting the Rights of Citizens In 1833 the Supreme Court ruled that the Bill of Rights limited the federal government but not the state governments . This ruling was interpreted to mean that states were able to keep African Americans from becoming state citizens and keep the Bill of Rights from protecting them . The Fourteenth Amendment defines citizenship and prevents states from interfering in the rights of citizens of the United States . THE CONSTITUTION President , the votes shall be taken by states , the representation from each state having one vote a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from of the states , and a majority of all the states person having the greatest number of votes as President , shall be the , if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed , and if no person have a majority , then from the two highest numbers on the list , the Senate shall choose the President a quorum for the purpose shall consist of of the whole number of Senators , and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice . But no person constitutionally ineligible to the of dent shall be eligible to that of of the United States . Amendment Passed by Congress January 31 , 1865 . December , Banned Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude , except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly , shall exist within the United States , or any place subject to their jurisdiction . Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation . Amend ment XIV Passed by Congress June 13 , 1866 . July , 868 . All persons born or naturalized in the United States , and subject to the jurisdiction thereof , are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside . No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States nor shall any State deprive any person of life , liberty , or property , without due process of law nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws . Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers , counting the whole number of persons in each State , But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and of the United States , Representatives in Congress , the Executive and Judicial officers of a State , or the members of the Legislature thereof , is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State , and of the United States , or in any way abridged , except for participation in rebellion , or other crime , the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens in such State .

Rebels Banned from Government No person shall be a Senator or in Congress , or elector of President and , or hold any office , civil or military , under the United States , or under any State , who , having previously taken an oath , as a member of Congress , or as an of the United States , or as a member of any State legislature , or as an executive or judicial officer of any State , to support the Constitution of the United States , shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same , or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof . But Congress may by a vote of of each House , remove such disability . The validity of the public debt of the United States , authorized by law , including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion , shall not be questioned . But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States , but all such debts , obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void . The Congress shall have the power to enforce , by legislation , the of this article . Ame ment Passed by Congress February 26 , 1869 . February , 1870 . Rights The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race , color , or previous condition of servitude . The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation . Amendment XVI Passed by Congress July , 1909 . February , 1913 . The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes , from whatever source derived , without apportionment among the several States , and without regard to any census or enumeration . Amendment XVII Passed by Congress May 13 , 1912 . April , 1913 . Elected by Citizens The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State , elected by the people thereof , for six years and each Senator shall have one vote . The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numer ous branch of the State legislatures . a When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate , the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of tion to fill such vacancies Provided , That the legislature of any State may THE CONSTITUTION VI '

Prohibition Although many people believed that the Eighteenth Amendment was good for the health and welfare of the American people , itwas repealed 14 years later . Women Suffrage Abigail Adams and others were disappointed that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution did not specifically include women . It took many years and much campaigning before suffrage for women was achieved . THE CONSTITUTION Taking Office In the original Constitution , as newly elected president and Congress did not take office until March , which was four months November election . The officials who were leaving office were called lame ducks because they had little influence during those four months . The Twentieth Amendment changed the date that the new president and Congress take office . Members of Congress now take office during the first week , and the president takes office on January 20 . THE . empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct . I . I I I I I Amendment Passed by Congress December 18 , 1917 . January 16 , 1919 . Repealed by . Liquor Banned vial ' ii i , Amendment Passed by Congress June , 1919 . August 18 , 1920 . Rights The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex . Congress shall have power to enforce this article by legislation . A me Passed by Congress March , 1932 . January 23 , 1933 . The terms of the President and the Vice President shall end at noon on the day of January , and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the day of January , of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been and the terms of their successors shall then begin . Meeting of Congress The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year , and such meeting shall begin at noon on the day of January , unless they shall by law appoint a different day . Succession of Vice President If , at the time for the beginning of the term of the President , the President elect shall have died , the Vice dent elect shall become President . If a President shall not have been chosen before the time for the beginning of his term , or if the President elect

shall have failed to qualify , then the Vice President elect shall act as dent until a President shall have and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President shall have , declaring who shall then act as President , or the ner in which one who is to act shall be selected , and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have . Succession by Vote of Congress The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them , and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them . Amendment Passed by Congress February 20 , 1933 . December , 1933 . Amendment Repealed The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed . Liquor Allowed by Law The transportation or importation into any State , Territory , or Possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors , in violation of the laws thereof , is hereby prohibited . Amendment Passed by Congress March 21 , 1947 . February 27 , 195 . No person shall be elected to the of the President more than twice , and no person who has held the of President , or acted as President , for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the of President more THE CONSTITUTION I ' I '

Voting Rights Until the ratification of the Amendment , the people of Washington , could not vote in presidential elections . THE CONSTITUTION Presidential Disability The illness of President Eisenhower in the 19505 and the assassination of President Kennedy in 1953 were the events behind the Amendment . The Constitution did not provide a method for a vice president to take over for a disabled or upon the death of a president This amendment provides for filling the office of the vice president if a vacancy occurs , and it provides a way for the vice someone else in the line of take over if the president is unable to perform the duties ofthat . THE CONSTITUTION Amendment Passed by Congress June , 960 . March 29 , 96 . of Columbia Represented The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as may direct A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole ber of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State , but no event more than the least populous State they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States , but they shall be considered , for the purposes of the election of President and Vice dent , to be electors appointed by a State and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment . The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation . Amendment Passed by Congress August 27 , 1962 . January 23 , 1964 . The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President , for electors for President or Vice President , or for Senator or Representative in Congress , shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay poll tax or other tax . The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation . Amendment Passed by Congress July , 1965 . February 10 , 967 . of Vice President In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation , the Vice President shall become President . Vacancy of Vice President Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President , the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress . Whenever the President transmits to the dent pro of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his , and until he transmits to them a written

tion to the contrary , such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President . Removing the President Whenever the Vice President and a ity of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide , transmit to the President pro of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the ers and duties of his , the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President . Thereafter , when the President transmits to the President pro of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists , he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide , transmit within four days to the President pro of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office . Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue , assembling within hours for that purpose if not in session . If the Congress , within days after receipt of the latter written declaration , or , if is not in session , within days after Congress is required to assemble , determines by vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his , the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President otherwise , the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office . Amendment Passed by Congress March 23 , 1971 . July , 1971 . Voting Rights The right of citizens of the United States , who are teen years Of age or older , to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age . The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation . Amendment Originally proposed September 25 , 1789 . May , 1992 . No law , varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and ( shall take effect , until an election of representatives shall have intervened . El a ! Expanded Suffrage The Voting Rights Act of 1970 tried to set the voting age at 18 . However , the Supreme Court ruled that the act set the voting age for national elections only , not for state or local elections . The Amendment gave citizens the right to vote in all elections . THE CONSTITUTION