Words

Our label for questions that judges and lawyers still disagree about, which the Supreme Court has not fully settled.

A formal change or addition to the Constitution. There have been 27.

Dividing seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population, as counted in the census.

When police take you into custody because they believe you committed a crime.

Money or conditions a court sets so a person charged with a crime can stay out of jail before trial.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791.

U.S. citizenship a person gets by being born on U.S. soil, under the 14th Amendment.

The official count of everyone living in the United States, taken every 10 years.

Ways each branch of government can limit the others, such as the veto, Senate approval of judges, and judicial review.

A legal member of the nation. The 14th Amendment makes people born or naturalized in the U.S., and subject to its jurisdiction, citizens.

The part of Article I that lets Congress regulate trade with other countries, among the states, and with Native American tribes.

The lawmaking branch of the federal government. It has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Agreeing to let police search you or your things. If you agree, police may not need a warrant. You can say no.

Punishment the 8th Amendment forbids, such as punishment courts find barbaric or far out of proportion to the crime.

Being under arrest, or held so that a reasonable person would not feel free to leave. It matters for Miranda warnings.

Held by police for a period of time, so you are not free to leave, even if you are not under arrest.

Being tried or punished twice for the same crime by the same government. The 5th Amendment forbids it.

Fair procedures the government must follow before it takes away your life, liberty, or property.

The system that chooses the president. Each state gets electors equal to its number of senators plus House members.

The government's power to take private property for public use. The 5th Amendment requires it to pay a fair price.

Powers the Constitution lists in writing for the federal government, mostly for Congress in Article I, Section 8.

The 14th Amendment rule that states must treat people equally under the law.

The First Amendment rule that the government cannot set up an official religion. Courts debate exactly how far it reaches.

A written directive from the president telling federal agencies what to do. Courts can strike one down if it conflicts with the Constitution or law.

The sharing of power between the national government and the state governments.

The First Amendment protection of your right to practice your religion, or no religion, as you choose.

Your First Amendment right to gather peacefully with others, such as at a protest or a meeting.

The First Amendment right to publish news and opinions without government censorship.

A group of citizens who review evidence in private and decide whether there is enough to charge someone with a serious federal crime.

The part of Congress where states get seats based on population. Members serve two-year terms.

When the House formally charges a federal official with serious wrongdoing. The Senate then holds a trial to decide on removal.

How the Supreme Court has applied most Bill of Rights protections to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment.

The power of courts to strike down laws or government actions that conflict with the Constitution.

A group of ordinary citizens chosen to hear the evidence at a trial and decide the facts.

Fair payment, usually the market value, that the government must give when it takes private property.

A group of citizens trained to serve as soldiers when needed, instead of a full-time army.

Warnings police must give before questioning someone in custody: right to stay silent, that statements can be used, right to a lawyer.

The legal process for a person born in another country to become a U.S. citizen.

The part of Article I that lets Congress make laws needed to carry out its listed powers.

A fee charged to vote. The 24th Amendment bans it in federal elections, and a 1966 Court ruling bans it in state elections.

An earlier court decision that courts follow when deciding similar cases later.

Good reason, based on facts, to believe a crime happened or evidence is in a place.

A ballot you cast when officials question whether you can vote. They check it later before deciding to count it.

A lawyer paid by the government to represent people charged with crimes who cannot afford a lawyer.

To formally approve. An amendment becomes part of the Constitution when three-fourths of the states approve it.

A specific, fact-based reason for police to think crime may be happening. It allows a brief stop, not an arrest.

Powers not given to the federal government, which the 10th Amendment keeps for the states or the people.

Your First Amendment right to ask the government to fix a problem or change a policy without being punished for asking.

When the government looks through you or your things (search), or takes property or a person (seizure). The 4th Amendment limits both.

Being forced to give testimony that could be used against you in a criminal case. The 5th Amendment protects you from it.

The part of Congress with two senators from each state. Senators serve six-year terms.

Dividing government power among three branches: Congress makes laws, the president carries them out, and courts interpret them.

The right to vote.

The part of Article VI saying the Constitution, federal laws made under it, and treaties override conflicting state laws.

The highest court in the United States. Its decisions about the Constitution bind all other courts.

Making war against the United States or helping its enemies. The Constitution defines it narrowly and requires strong proof.

Rights not listed in the Constitution that people still keep. The 9th Amendment says listing some rights does not deny others.

The president's power to reject a bill. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

A written order signed by a judge that allows police to search a place or arrest a person.

A court order requiring the government to explain why it is holding someone. It protects against unlawful imprisonment.