American Constitution and Government
6th Amendment
Citizens accused of crimes will have a fast, public trial with a fair jury and a lawyer to defend them. They will be told what crime they are accused of and will hear anyone witnessing against them.
8th Amendment
Citizens convicted of a crime shall not have to pay excessive bail or have to endure cruel punishments.
9th Amendment
Citizens have other rights besides the ones listed in the Bill of Rights.
1st Amendment
Citizens have the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly and to petition the government.
2nd Amendment
Citizens have the right to own and carry guns.
representative
a person chosen to speak, vote, or otherwise act on behalf of an individual or group
court
a place where legal cases are heard
Executive Branch
carries out the laws by the President
amendment
change
local government
city or county government governs schools and parks
Constitution
document that outlines the rules for our government
Senate
each state has 2 senators half of the legislative branch that makes the laws
judicial branch
enforces the laws
president
head of the executive branch
federal government
located in Washington DC (America's Capital). led by president
state government
located in the capital of each of the 50 states led by governor
legislative branch
makes laws
framers
men who created the Constitution
senate
one of the two lawmaking houses of the US Congress, containing two representatives for each state
House of Representatives
representation for each state that is decided by population half of the legislative branch that makes the laws
checks and balances
set up into three branches of equal power
elect
to choose a member of government by voting for him or her
protect
to guard or defend from harm or danger
White House
where the President lives
the Capitol
Building in Washington DC where the Senate and House of Representatives are located
Preamble
Introduction to the Constitution. Explains the purpose
7th Amendment
In federal civil cases, people have a right to trial by jury.
Supreme Court
Make sure that citizen's Constitutional rights are protected
5th Amendment
People have the right to a fair trial with a jury. Will only be tried and/or punished once for a crime.
3rd Amendment
People will not be forced to house soldiers
4th Amendment
People's homes and belongings can't be searched or taken without probable cause and a legal warrant.
10th Amendment
Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution