Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Key Amendments and Supreme Court Decisions

The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government. These rights limit government interference in expression and belief. Other listed rights appear in different amendments, making this option the only one that fully and accurately reflects the First Amendment’s protections.

The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms and emphasizes the role of a well-regulated militia. It does not address voting, speech, or privacy. This amendment has been central to debates about gun ownership and regulation in the United States.

The Third Amendment prevents the government from forcing citizens to house soldiers during peacetime without consent. This protection reflects colonial grievances and limits military intrusion into civilian life.

The Fifth Amendment protects against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process. It also guarantees just compensation when private property is taken for public use.

The Sixth Amendment ensures fairness in criminal trials by guaranteeing a speedy trial, impartial jury, knowledge of charges, ability to call and question witnesses, and the right to an attorney.

The Seventh Amendment applies to civil cases and guarantees the right to a jury trial when the dispute exceeds a certain monetary value. It does not apply to criminal cases.

The Eighth Amendment protects individuals from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. It ensures punishment remains proportionate to the crime.

The Ninth Amendment clarifies that people have rights beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution. It prevents the government from claiming unlisted rights do not exist.

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This amendment reinforces federalism.

Marbury vs. Madison established judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional. This strengthened the judiciary as a co-equal branch.

Gibbons vs. Ogden ruled that federal law supersedes state law in matters of interstate commerce, reinforcing the Supremacy Clause.

Plessy vs. Ferguson upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, later overturned due to its inequality.

Brown vs. Board of Education declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy and enforcing equal protection.

Roe vs. Wade recognized a woman’s constitutional right to privacy in abortion decisions, shaping reproductive rights law.

Mapp vs. Ohio applied the exclusionary rule to states, preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used in court.

The Miranda case ruled confessions invalid if suspects are not informed of their rights, leading to Miranda warnings.

Gideon vs. Wainwright guaranteed the right to a court-appointed attorney for defendants who cannot afford one.

Tinker vs. Des Moines protected student free speech unless it causes substantial disruption in schools.

Engel vs. Vitale ruled that mandatory school prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Furman vs. Georgia challenged the arbitrary application of the death penalty, leading to revised sentencing laws.

Employment Division vs. Smith held that neutral laws may limit religious practices without violating the Constitution.

New Jersey vs. TLO established the “reasonable suspicion” standard for school searches, balancing safety and rights.