Constitutional Law Glossary

A formal change or addition to the Constitution, adopted through the process outlined in Article V.

The division of the legislature into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental individual rights.

A writ by which the Supreme Court agrees to review a lower court decision. Granted at the Court's discretion.

The system by which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse.

Article I, Section 8 provision granting Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

The highest level of governmental interest required to justify infringement of a fundamental right or suspect classification under strict scrutiny.

The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

The constitutional guarantee of fair legal proceedings before the government may deprive a person of life, liberty, or property.

The government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation, as required by the Fifth Amendment.

The specific powers granted to Congress listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

The Fourteenth Amendment principle requiring states to govern impartially and treat similarly situated persons alike.

A directive issued by the President to manage operations of the federal government, carrying the force of law.

The constitutional system dividing sovereign authority between the national government and state governments.

A right deemed so essential that any government infringement must survive strict scrutiny review.

A legal action requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a court, protecting against unlawful detention.

The constitutional process by which the House of Representatives may charge a federal official with 'high crimes and misdemeanors.'

The legal doctrine applying Bill of Rights protections to state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.

The power of courts to evaluate and invalidate government actions that violate the Constitution.

An interpretive approach reading the Constitution according to the original public meaning of its text at ratification.

The principle that federal law displaces conflicting state law under the Supremacy Clause.

The constitutional division of government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

The legal requirement that a party bringing suit must have suffered a concrete injury traceable to the challenged action and redressable by the court.

The doctrine of precedent, under which courts follow prior judicial decisions in similar cases to ensure consistency and stability.

The most demanding standard of judicial review, requiring the government to prove a compelling interest and narrow tailoring.