AP US History
Founding & Constitution Test Study Guide
Founding & the Constitutional Convention
Declaration of Independence
Announces disunion with Great Britain; statements include “All men are created equal,” & “Life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness…”
Virginia/Randolph Plan
Calls for a 2 House legislature; Lower House (House of Representatives) representation based on population, Upper House (Senate)
members voted on by Lower House
New Jersey/Patterson Plan
Calls for 1 House legislature; Representation equal between states
Connecticut Compromise
Created a 2 House legislature; Lower House (House of Representatives) representation based on population, Upper House (Senate)
representation equal between states
3/5 Clause
Slaves counted as 3/5 person for representation and taxation purposes
Preamble
Gives 6 goals of the new government; statements include “We the People of the United States of America…”
Article I
Duties & powers of the Legislative Branch
Article II
Duties & powers of the Executive Branch
Article III
Duties & powers of the Judicial Branch
Article IV
Rules and powers for our federal form of gov’t
Article V
Procedures for making amendments
Article VI
Oath of allegiance for elected officials
Article VII
Descriptions and rules for Constitution’s ratification
Strict Interpretation
Laws cannot be passed regarding items or situations not specifically detailed in the Constitution (based on 10 th Amendment)
Loose Interpretation
Laws can be passed if item or situation not specifically detailed in the Constitution (based on Elastic Clause (Article I, Section 8)
Constitutional Amendments
1
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and to petition the government (1791)
2
Right to bear arms (in order for states to keep militias (1791)
3
No quartering of troops in private homes (1791)
4
Specific search warrants required (1791)
5
Rights of the accused; indictments are required; due process & justified compensation
(1791)
6
Speedy and public trial; call of witnesses (1791)
7
Trial by jury allowed in civil suits over $20 (1791)
8
Excessive bail; cruel and unusual punishment (1791)
9
All rights not listed are retained by the people (1791)
10 All powers not delegated are retained by the states (1791)
11 Citizens of one state cannot sue another state; foreigners cannot sue states (1798)
12 Electors to cast separate ballots for President and VP (1804)
13 Slavery abolished (1865)
14 Blacks are citizens; Confederate leaders ineligible for office (1868)
15
16
17
18
19
Black suffrage guaranteed (1870)
Federal income tax legalized (1913)
Direct election of US Senators (1913)
Alcohol illegal; establishes national Prohibition (1919)
Women’s suffrage (1920)
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Congressional and presidential inauguration dates changed (1933)
Repeal of Prohibition (1933)
Two term/10 year limit on presidential term (1951)
Presidential electoral votes for Washington DC (1961)
Prohibition of poll taxes (1964)
Presidential ability/disability and succession defined (1967)
18 year old suffrage (1971)
Congressional pay raises (1992)