Part 11- Appendix A: The Constitution of the United States of America, Note 3

Summary of Appendix A: U.S. Constitution Provisions and Amendments Article III: Judicial Branch 1. Section 1: Structure of the Judiciary o Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress. o Judges hold office during good behavior and receive compensation that cannot be reduced during their tenure. 2. Section 2: Jurisdiction of Courts o Covers cases under the Constitution, U.S. laws, treaties, disputes involving states, citizens of different states, foreign nations, and maritime issues. o Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, ministers, consuls, and states; appellate jurisdiction applies to others. 3. Section 3: Treason o Treason is defined as levying war against the U.S. or aiding its enemies. o Conviction requires testimony from two witnesses or a confession in court. o Congress determines punishment, but penalties cannot extend beyond the guilty party’s life. Article IV: States' Relations 1. Section 1: Full Faith and Credit o States must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. 2. Section 2: Privileges and Extradition o Citizens are entitled to equal privileges in all states. o Fugitive criminals must be extradited to the state where the crime was committed. 3. Section 3: Admission of New States o Congress can admit new states but cannot alter existing states' boundaries without consent. o Congress governs U.S. territories and federal property. 4. Section 4: Republican Government and Protection o The U.S. guarantees every state a republican form of government and protection against invasion or domestic violence. Article V: Amending the Constitution   Amendments can be proposed by two-thirds of Congress or state legislatures and require ratification by three-fourths of the states. Certain limitations applied before 1808, such as those regarding the slave trade and state suffrage in the Senate. Article VI: Supremacy Clause    Federal laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land. State judges must uphold the Constitution, even if state laws conflict. All officials must swear an oath to support the Constitution; no religious tests are required. Article VII: Ratification  The Constitution becomes effective upon ratification by nine states. Key Amendments 1. Bill of Rights (Amendments 1–10, Ratified 1791): o 1st Amendment: Freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. o 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms. o 3rd Amendment: No quartering of soldiers in peacetime without consent. o 4th Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. o 5th Amendment: Rights in criminal cases, including due process and protection against self-incrimination. o 6th Amendment: Right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury. o 7th Amendment: Right to a jury trial in civil cases exceeding $20. o 8th Amendment: No excessive bail, fines, or cruel and unusual punishment. o 9th Amendment: Enumeration of rights in the Constitution doesn’t deny others retained by the people. o 10th Amendment: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for states or the people. 2. Significant Later Amendments: o 11th Amendment (1795): Limits judicial power over suits against states. o o o o o o o o 13th Amendment (1865): Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crimes. 14th Amendment (1868): Citizenship rights, due process, and equal protection under the law. 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibits voting discrimination based on race, color, or previous servitude. 16th Amendment (1913): Allows Congress to impose income taxes. 17th Amendment (1913): Establishes direct election of U.S. Senators. 18th Amendment (1919, repealed 1933 by the 21st): Prohibited alcohol manufacture, sale, and transportation. 19th Amendment (1920): Grants women the right to vote. 20th Amendment (1933): Sets terms and session dates for Congress and the President; outlines presidential succession if the Presidentelect dies or fails to qualify.