The Constitution, one card at a time
All 7 articles and 27 amendments of the U.S. Constitution as picture-book cards: the original words, a plain-English version and the year each became law.
35 of 35 cards
We the People
The opening sentence says who is creating the government (the people, not the states or a king) and why:...
Congress
Creates Congress, the branch that writes laws. It has two parts: the House (seats based on population,...
The President
Creates the presidency. The President is chosen by the Electoral College for four years, must be a...
The Courts
Creates the Supreme Court and lets Congress set up lower courts. Judges serve 'during good Behaviour',...
The States
Explains how states relate to one another and to the nation: each state must respect other states' laws...
Amending the Constitution
Explains how to change the Constitution. An amendment can be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of...
Supreme Law of the Land
Makes the Constitution, federal laws and treaties the 'supreme Law of the Land', above state laws. The new...
Ratification
Says the Constitution takes effect once nine states approve it. Delegates signed it on September 17, 1787;...
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition
The government can't set up an official religion or stop you from practising yours, and it can't stop you...
Right to keep and bear arms
Protects the people's right to keep and bear arms, which the Supreme Court has held is an individual...
No forced housing of soldiers
In peacetime, the government can't make you house soldiers in your home without your consent; in wartime,...
Protection from unreasonable searches
Police generally need a warrant, based on probable cause and describing exactly what they're looking for,...
Rights of the accused, due process, property
You can't be tried twice for the same crime or forced to testify against yourself, you get due process of...
Right to a fair and speedy trial
In criminal cases you get a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, the right to know the charges, to...
Jury trials in civil cases
Guarantees a jury in many federal civil lawsuits (the original text says those worth over $20), and facts...
No cruel and unusual punishment
Bans excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments.
Other rights belong to the people
Listing some rights in the Constitution doesn't mean people don't have others.
Powers reserved to states and people
Powers the Constitution doesn't give the federal government, or deny to the states, belong to the states...
Limits on suing states
Federal courts can't hear lawsuits against a state brought by citizens of another state or of a foreign country.
Separate votes for President and Vice President
Electors cast one vote for President and a separate vote for Vice President, fixing the tie problem of the...
Slavery abolished
Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
Citizenship, due process, equal protection
Everyone born or naturalized in the U.S. is a citizen. No state may deny any person due process of law or...
Voting rights regardless of race
The right to vote can't be denied because of race, color or having once been enslaved.
Federal income tax
Lets Congress collect an income tax without dividing it among the states by population.
Senators elected by the people
Senators are elected directly by voters instead of being chosen by state legislatures.
Prohibition of alcohol
Banned making, selling and transporting alcoholic drinks. Repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment.
Women's right to vote
The right to vote can't be denied because of sex.
New term start dates (the 'Lame Duck' amendment)
Terms of the President and Vice President start January 20, and Congress's start January 3. Sets rules if...
Prohibition repealed
Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending national Prohibition, while letting states control alcohol.
Two-term limit for Presidents
No one can be elected President more than twice.
Electoral votes for Washington, D.C.
Gives the District of Columbia electors in presidential elections, no more than the least-populous state.
No poll taxes in federal elections
You can't be charged a tax to vote in federal elections.
Presidential succession and disability
If the President dies, resigns or is removed, the Vice President becomes President. It also sets out how...
Voting age lowered to 18
Citizens 18 and older can't be denied the vote because of age.
Limits on congressional pay raises
A pay change Congress votes for itself can't take effect until after the next House election. Proposed in...