Free Printable Worksheets for learning Constitutional Law at the College level

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Constitutional Law

Constitutional law is the body of law that defines the relationship between different entities within a state, namely the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. It encompasses a range of legal principles and rules that define the extent and limitations of government power.

Key Concepts

  • Constitution: A written document that outlines the basic principles and framework of government. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of citizens and defines the powers of the government.

  • Separation of powers: The idea that the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judiciary) should be separate and independent, with distinct roles and responsibilities. This is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

  • Federalism: The division of power between the federal government and the individual states. The Constitution grants certain powers to the federal government, but leaves others to the states.

  • Judicial review: The power of the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws and governmental actions. This allows the judiciary to strike down laws that are in conflict with the Constitution.

  • Individual rights and liberties: The Constitution includes a Bill of Rights that outlines the basic rights and freedoms of individuals, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms. The Constitution also prohibits the government from infringing on these rights.

Important Court Cases

  • Marbury v. Madison (1803): Establishes the principle of judicial review.

  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Confirms the supremacy of federal law over state law.

  • Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Outlaws segregation in public schools.

  • Roe v. Wade (1973): Establishes a woman's right to an abortion.

  • Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Allows unlimited corporate spending on political campaigns.

Takeaways

  • Constitutional law governs the relationship between the government and its citizens.

  • The Constitution establishes a framework for government, while also protecting individual rights and freedoms.

  • The separation of powers and federalism help to prevent government overreach and abuse of power.

  • Judicial review allows the judiciary to strike down laws and actions that are unconstitutional.

  • Important court cases have shaped the interpretation and application of constitutional law over time.

Here's some sample Constitutional Law vocabulary lists Sign in to generate your own vocabulary list worksheet.

Word Definition
Constitution A written document that outlines the system of government in a country or organization
Amendment A change or addition to a legal or regulatory document
Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution which protects citizens' rights
Due process Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement
Judicial review Review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act
Federalism The federal principle or system of government
Checks and Balances The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches
Separation of powers The division of governmental authority into separate branches that check and balance each other
Ratification Formal approval or validation of a proposed law, treaty, or agreement
Enumerated powers Specific powers granted to the U.S Congress by the Constitution
Implied powers Powers not explicitly named in the Constitution but assumed to exist
Jurisdiction The official power to make legal decisions and judgments
Commerce Clause The clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states
Equal Protection Clause A clause that prohibits states from denying equal protection under the law to any citizen
Supremacy Clause The clause in the Constitution that declare federal law as the supreme law of the land
Freedom of Speech The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint
Freedom of Religion The right to practice any religion or no religion at all
Executive Branch The branch of government responsible for the execution and enforcement of laws
Judicial Branch The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and punishing lawbreakers
Legislative Branch The branch of government responsible for making laws

Here's some sample Constitutional Law study guides Sign in to generate your own study guide worksheet.

Constitutional Law Study Guide

Introduction to Constitutional Law

  • Understand the basics of constitutional law
  • Understand the importance of constitutional law in the legal system
  • Understand the principles of constitutional law

Sources of Constitutional Law

  • Identify the sources of constitutional law
  • Understand the significance of the Constitution in the legal system
  • Understand the role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional law

Separation of Powers

  • Understand the concept of separation of powers
  • Identify the three branches of government
  • Understand the roles of each branch of government
  • Identify the checks and balances between the branches of government

Federalism

  • Understand the concept of federalism
  • Identify the relationship between the federal government and the states
  • Understand the role of the federal government in regulating interstate commerce
  • Understand the significance of the Supremacy Clause

Individual Rights and Liberties

  • Understand the concept of individual rights and liberties
  • Identify the Bill of Rights
  • Identify the rights protected by the Constitution
  • Understand the significance of Due Process and Equal Protection clauses

Constitutional Interpretation

  • Understand the different methods of constitutional interpretation
  • Understand the roles of different actors in interpreting the Constitution
  • Understand the significance of judicial review
  • Understand the factors that influence constitutional interpretation

Conclusion

  • Summarize the important concepts covered in this study guide
  • Understand the importance of constitutional law in the legal system.

Here's some sample Constitutional Law practice sheets Sign in to generate your own practice sheet worksheet.

Constitutional Law Practice Sheet

  1. Explain the difference between the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause.
  2. What is the Supremacy Clause and why is it important in Constitutional Law?
  3. Describe the process for amending the Constitution.
  4. What is the Commerce Clause and how has it been interpreted by the Supreme Court?
  5. Explain the concept of federalism and give an example of how it has been applied in a Supreme Court case.
  6. How has the First Amendment been interpreted regarding freedom of speech and the press?
  7. Describe the difference between judicial review and judicial activism.
  8. What is the role of the Executive Branch in the Constitutional Law process?
  9. Explain the concept of jurisdiction and describe the different types of jurisdiction.
  10. Give an example of a landmark Supreme Court case that dealt with Constitutional Law and explain its significance.

Sample Practice Problem

Q: What is the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution?

A: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and has the ultimate authority to interpret the Constitution. The Supreme Court has the power to determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and state legislatures, as well as executive actions taken by the President. The Supreme Court can also review decisions made by lower courts and determine whether they are consistent with the Constitution. The Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all other courts in the United States.

Practice Problems

Q: What is the process for amending the Constitution?

A: The Constitution can be amended through a two-step process. First, an amendment must be proposed either by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Second, the amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. Once an amendment is ratified, it becomes part of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law Practice Sheet

Questions

  1. What is the difference between the due process clause and the equal protection clause?
  2. What is the purpose of the commerce clause?
  3. What are the three major components of the First Amendment?
  4. What is the purpose of the takings clause?
  5. What is the difference between the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause?
  6. What is the purpose of the Supremacy Clause?
  7. What is the purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause?
  8. What is the purpose of the Privileges and Immunities Clause?
  9. What is the purpose of the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
  10. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

Here's some sample Constitutional Law quizzes Sign in to generate your own quiz worksheet.

Constitutional Law Quiz

Instructions

Answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. Write your answers in the right-side column of the table below.

Problem Answer
What are the three branches of government?
According to the 10th Amendment, what powers are reserved for the states?
What are the three levels of scrutiny applied by the courts to determine the constitutionality of a law?
What is the supremacy clause and why is it important?
What is the difference between strict scrutiny and rational basis review?
What is the difference between substantive due process and procedural due process?
What is the Lemon test and when is it applied?
What is symbolic speech and how is it protected under the First Amendment?
What are the requirements for a search warrant under the Fourth Amendment?
What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison?

Scoring

  • 9-10 correct: Congratulations, you have an excellent understanding of Constitutional Law!
  • 6-8 correct: You have a solid knowledge of Constitutional Law, but there's room for improvement.
  • 5 or fewer correct: Don't worry, keep studying and you'll master Constitutional Law in no time!
Problem Answer
What is the name of the document that establishes the fundamental laws of the United States? The Constitution of the United States
What is the name of the first ten amendments to the Constitution? The Bill of Rights
What is the name of the amendment that abolished slavery? The Thirteenth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that guarantees the right to vote to all citizens regardless of race? The Fifteenth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that grants women the right to vote? The Nineteenth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that prohibits the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol? The Eighteenth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that guarantees the right to bear arms? The Second Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures? The Fourth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that guarantees due process of law? The Fifth Amendment
What is the name of the amendment that guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial? The Sixth Amendment
Questions Answers
What is the purpose of the Constitution? To establish the structure of the federal government, and to protect the basic rights of citizens.
Who wrote the Constitution? The Constitution was written by the Constitutional Convention, which was composed of delegates from the 13 states.
What are the three branches of government? The three branches of government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What is the system of checks and balances? The system of checks and balances is a system in which the three branches of government are able to limit each other’s power.
What is the Bill of Rights? The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. It guarantees basic rights and freedoms to citizens.
What is the amendment process? The amendment process is the process by which the Constitution can be amended. It requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
What is judicial review? Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law or executive action unconstitutional.
What is the doctrine of stare decisis? The doctrine of stare decisis is a legal principle that requires courts to follow the precedent set by earlier court decisions.
What is the purpose of the 14th Amendment? The 14th Amendment was added to the Constitution to guarantee the rights of former slaves. It also guarantees equal protection of the laws to all citizens.
What is the purpose of the Commerce Clause? The Commerce Clause gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce.
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