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13 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What are two ways of proposing amendments to the constitution? |
Congress may propose amendments approved by a 2/3rds majority in each house. The legislatures of 2/3rds of the states may require Congress to summon a constitutional convention to consider amendments. |
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What are the two ways of ratifying the amendments? |
An amendment is official when 3/4ths of state legislatures approve it. When special conventions in 3/4ths of the states approve it. |
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How is it that the constitution most frequently changes? |
Amendments to the United States Constitution may be adopted whenever the need arises. |
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Who first proposed to the new Congress in 1789 that a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution? |
The Federalists. |
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What are some of the explanations given as to why the Constitution lasted so long? |
It provides for a government by the people, that can act when in danger,and a federal union where people retain certain rights and powers in their own states. |
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Cruel and unusual punishment |
Punishment prohibited by the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. |
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Self- incrimination |
The act of exposing oneself |
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Right to counsel |
A defendant has a right to have the assistance of counsel and if the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, requires that the government appoint one or pay the defendant’s legal expenses. |
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Double jeopardy |
The prosecution of a person twice for the same offense. |
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Bills of Attainder |
a legislative act finding a person guilty of treason or felony without a trial. |
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Habeas Corpus |
A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention. |
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Eminent Domain |
The right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation. |
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Ex post facto laws |
A law that makes illegal an act that was legal when committed, increases the penalties for an infraction after it has been committed, or changes the rules of evidence to make conviction easier. |