Social Studies OGT Review

US Constitution and Government

Constitution

• The Constitution is known as the Supreme Law of the Land

• The only way to change the Constitution is through the amendment process

• Article I – Legislative Branch: makes the laws• Article II – Executive Branch: carries out the

laws• Article III – Judicial Branch: interprets the laws

US Government• The 3 branches of government operate on a

system of separation of powers and checks and balances

• Separate state and local governments makes decisions concerning their own area and people (federalism)

• Government can only limit your rights if– Clear and present danger (Schenck v. US)– Public safety– National security

Amendments• 1- freedom of press, religion, assembly, petition,

and speech• 13 – abolish slavery• 14 – citizenship to everyone born in the US• 15 – right to vote to all adult males• 16 – government can collect income tax• 17 – direct election of senators (progressive reform)• 19 – women’s suffrage (voting)• 24 – outlaws literacy test and poll taxes • 26 – lowered voting age to 18