The Constitution
The following notes will help you prepare for questions about the Constitution on the AP U.S. History Exam.
3/5 Compromise : the agreement between northern and southern states that slaves would count as 3/5 of a person in the population of the states
Anti-federalists : against strong central government and insisted that the Bill of Rights be included in the Constitution
Bill of Rights : The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and liberties
checks and balances : the idea that each branch of the U.S. government has its power limited by the others to prevent one branch from gaining too much control
enumerated powers : powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, such as the power to declare war or collect taxes
Federalists : in favor of a strong central government
protective tariff : a tax on foreign goods, intended to protect the economy in the U.S. from foreign competition
separation of powers : the division of authority in the government between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
supremacy clause : the idea that the Constitution and Congressional laws and treaties supercede those of the states
Federalist Papers
Key Articles and Amendments
Article 1 : Explains the responsibilities of the legislative branch.
Article 2 : Explains the responsibilities and qualifications for the executive branch.
Article 3 : Explains the responsibilities of the judicial branch and explains treason.
Amendment 1 : Freedom of expression, religion, and the right to petition the government
Amendment 2 : The right to form a militia and bear arms
Amendment 4 : Protection against illegal search and seizure
Amendment 5 : The right to due process and to not self-incriminate
Amendment 13 : Abolished slavery
Amendment 14 : Guarantees equal protection for all citizens and that no law shall be made that abridges the rights of citizens
Amendment 15 : Grants the right to vote regardless of race or former condition of servitude
Amendment 18 : Prohibition of alcohol
Amendment 19 : Grants the right to vote regardless of sex
Amendment 21 : Repealed the 18th amendment
Amendment 22 : Limits presidents to two terms
- Concern over recreating a monarchy led to the adoption of the Articles of Confederation as the first form of government in the U.S. It gave more authority to the states than to a central, federal government.
- John Locke had a strong influence on the Constitution, including the idea that man has the right to life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson incorporated many of Locke's ideas in the Constitution.
- The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which gave more authority to the states and did not include a president of the U.S.
3/5 Compromise : the agreement between northern and southern states that slaves would count as 3/5 of a person in the population of the states
Anti-federalists : against strong central government and insisted that the Bill of Rights be included in the Constitution
Bill of Rights : The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and liberties
checks and balances : the idea that each branch of the U.S. government has its power limited by the others to prevent one branch from gaining too much control
enumerated powers : powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, such as the power to declare war or collect taxes
Federalists : in favor of a strong central government
protective tariff : a tax on foreign goods, intended to protect the economy in the U.S. from foreign competition
separation of powers : the division of authority in the government between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
supremacy clause : the idea that the Constitution and Congressional laws and treaties supercede those of the states
Federalist Papers
- The Federalist Papers are a series of essays that support a strong central government. The primary authors are John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, although the Federalist Papers were published under a pseudonym, Publius.
- "Federalist #10" is one of the most significant essays. It suggests that a republic form of government can help prevent some of the problems associated with a large democracy, such as anarchy. Alexander Hamilton was the author.
- "Federalist #51" argues in support of checks and balances. James Madison wrote it.
- "Federalist #78," written by Alexander Hamilton, explains the power of the judiciary and is frequently cited by the Supreme Court.
Key Articles and Amendments
Article 1 : Explains the responsibilities of the legislative branch.
Article 2 : Explains the responsibilities and qualifications for the executive branch.
Article 3 : Explains the responsibilities of the judicial branch and explains treason.
Amendment 1 : Freedom of expression, religion, and the right to petition the government
Amendment 2 : The right to form a militia and bear arms
Amendment 4 : Protection against illegal search and seizure
Amendment 5 : The right to due process and to not self-incriminate
Amendment 13 : Abolished slavery
Amendment 14 : Guarantees equal protection for all citizens and that no law shall be made that abridges the rights of citizens
Amendment 15 : Grants the right to vote regardless of race or former condition of servitude
Amendment 18 : Prohibition of alcohol
Amendment 19 : Grants the right to vote regardless of sex
Amendment 21 : Repealed the 18th amendment
Amendment 22 : Limits presidents to two terms