=== U.S. CONSTITUTION ===

> PREAMBLE

• We the People unite for justice, peace, defense, welfare, and liberty, now and forever.

> ARTICLE I: CONGRESS

• House: Population-based, 2-yr terms, 25+ yrs old.
• Senate: 2 per state, 6-yr terms, 30+ yrs old.
• Powers: Tax, trade, war, money, courts, laws. Overrides vetoes (2/3 vote).
• Limits: No jailing without cause, no retroactive laws, no nobility titles.

> ARTICLE II: PRESIDENT

• Elected 4 yrs, 35+ yrs old, natural-born. VP assists.
• Powers: Commands military, treaties, appoints officials, pardons.
• Limits: Impeachable for treason, bribery, major crimes.

> ARTICLE III: COURTS

• Supreme Court + lower courts, judges serve for life (if ethical).
• Powers: Federal cases, disputes between states/citizens.
• Limits: Treason needs 2 witnesses or confession; punishment not hereditary.

> ARTICLE IV: STATES

• States honor each other’s laws, extradite criminals.
• New states join fairly; federal gov guarantees republican rule.

> ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS

• 2/3 Congress or states propose; 3/4 states ratify.
• No state loses equal Senate voice without consent.

> ARTICLE VI: SUPREMACY

• Federal laws, treaties supreme; officials swear to uphold.
• No religious tests for office.

> ARTICLE VII: RATIFICATION

• Constitution began with 9 states’ approval (1787).

> BILL OF RIGHTS

• 1. Free religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.
• 2. Right to bear arms.
• 3. No soldiers in homes without consent.
• 4. No unreasonable searches; warrants need cause.
• 5. No self-incrimination, double jeopardy, or property loss without due process.
• 6. Speedy, public trial with jury, counsel.
• 7. Jury for civil cases ($20+).
• 8. No excessive bail, fines, cruel punishment.
• 9. Unlisted rights still yours.
• 10. Powers not federal stay with states/people.

> LATER AMENDMENTS

• 11. States immune from some lawsuits.
• 12. Separate President/VP elections.
• 13. No slavery.
• 14. Equal protection, due process for all.
• 15. Vote regardless of race.
• 16. Income tax allowed.
• 17. Senators elected directly.
• 18. [Banned alcohol; repealed by 21].
• 19. Women vote.
• 20. Adjusts term starts.
• 21. Repeals 18.
• 22. President limited to 2 terms.
• 23. D.C. gets electoral votes.
• 24. No poll taxes.
• 25. Clarifies succession.
• 26. Vote at 18.
• 27. Congressional pay raises wait a term.