Constitution
Commerce Clause
Overview of the Commerce Clause The Commerce Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution, grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, …
Federalism
Overview of American Federalism Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a national government and state governments, each possessing independent authority over certain …
Fifth Amendment
Overview of the Fifth Amendment The Fifth Amendment contains several distinct but related protections for individuals in the criminal justice system. It guarantees indictment by grand jury for serious …
First Amendment
Overview of the First Amendment The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits Congress from making laws respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise …
Fourteenth Amendment
Overview of the Fourteenth Amendment The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868 following the Civil War, is one of the most consequential amendments to the United States Constitution. It established …
Fourth Amendment
Overview of the Fourth Amendment The Fourth Amendment protects the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. It …
Separation of Powers
Overview of Separation of Powers The separation of powers is a foundational principle of the United States Constitution, dividing governmental authority among three distinct branches: the Legislative, …
Sixth Amendment
Overview of the Sixth Amendment The Sixth Amendment guarantees a cluster of rights to criminal defendants: the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to be informed of the …
US Constitution Overview
Introduction to the US Constitution The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for the federal government and defining the relationship between …