US Law and Government

The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Constitution, outlining the goals and purposes of the government.

The President of the United States serves as the Commander in Chief of the military, which is a core power of the Executive branch.

Tyranny is defined as a cruel and oppressive government or rule, characterized by the abuse of power and control.

The President is the head of the Executive branch.

The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the Legislative branch.

An amendment is a formal change or addition to the Constitution.

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States before being replaced by the current Constitution.

The 27th Amendment, ratified in 1992, stipulates that any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress shall not take effect until the start of the next set of terms of office for Representatives.

The 23rd Amendment, ratified in 1961, granted residents of Washington D.C. the right to vote for representatives in the Electoral College. This allowed the district to participate in presidential elections.

The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, guaranteed that the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed the method of electing U.S. Senators from selection by state legislatures to direct election by the people of each state.

The 9th Amendment states that the enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The 3rd Amendment places restrictions on the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent, forbidding the practice in peacetime.

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives. The Vice President presides over the Senate.