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A charter of rights, agreed to by King John of England under duress from rebellious barons, that for the first time established the principle that the King was subject to the law, not above it. -
A foundational document of the United States, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. -
A pivotal event in American history where delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states (Rhode Island did not attend) convened to revise the Articles of Confederation. -
The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document of the United States, establishing the structure, power, and limits of the federal government. -
A collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym "Publius" to persuade New York citizens to ratify the proposed U.S. Constitution. -
The establishment of the Federal government originated from the Articles of Confederation and was solidified by the U.S. Constitutional, ratified in 1788 and effective in 1789, which created a federal system with power shared between the national and state governments and divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. -
The first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 to guarantee fundamental civil rights and liberties to individuals and to reserve power not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. -
Prevents the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes without the homeowner's consent. -
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures without without a warrant based on probable cause. -
Guarantees several rights for criminal defendants, including the right to a grand jury indictment, protection against double jeopardy, and protection against self-incrimination. It also establishes due process and just compensation for government seized property. -
Reinforces the principle of federalism by stating that any powers not specifically given to the federal government, nor withheld from the states, are reserved to those respective states or the people. -
Protects the rights to bear arms. -
Protects five fundamental rights: freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. -
States that the listing of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights that are not specifically listed are not protected. -
Provides for the right to a jury trial in civil cases. -
Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments. -
Ensures the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to a lawyer, and the right to confront witnesses. -
A landmark U.S. federal statute that prohibits racial discrimination in voting and was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the height of the Civil Rights movement on August 6, 1965.