What You'll Study in Pennsylvania Constitutional Law
Declaration of Rights
Search and Seizure
Privacy
Government Structure
Judiciary
Amendment Process
Religion
Elections
Jury Trial & Press Protections
Criminal Procedure Rights
Open Courts & Remedies
Bail & Punishment Limits
Property & Takings
Right to Bear Arms
Debtor Protections
Ex Post Facto & Contracts
Legislation—Special Laws
Legislation—Procedure
Legislation—Appropriations
Executive Powers
Executive Succession
Clemency
Legislative Powers & Privileges
Legislature—Composition
Redistricting
Ethics & Compensation
Impeachment & Removal
Elections & Eligibility
Judiciary—Selection & Tenure
Judiciary—Administration
Judiciary—Rulemaking
Judicial Discipline
Sovereign Immunity
Local Government—Home Rule
Taxation
Public Finance & Debt
Public Finance & Appropriations
Education Clause
Environmental Rights
Gambling & Lottery
Equality—State ERA
Equality & Civil Rights
Assembly & Petition
Open Courts & Reputation
Public Officers—Oaths
Public Officers—Incompatibility
Structural Rights & Equality
Separation of Powers
Sample Pennsylvania Constitutional Law Questions
1What is the Pennsylvania Constitution’s Declaration of Rights (Article I), and what are major ways PA courts interpret it independently of the U.S. Constitution?
2What is Article I, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution?
3Does Pennsylvania recognize a right to privacy in its Constitution, and what are the relevant cases?
Understand the structure and amendments of the Pennsylvania Constitution
Master Pennsylvania-specific individual rights protections that go beyond federal guarantees
Learn how Pennsylvania courts interpret state constitutional provisions
Memorize key Pennsylvania constitutional clauses tested on the bar exam
Identify when Pennsylvania constitutional law provides broader protections than the U.S. Constitution
55+
Flashcards
48
Topics
69%
Pass Rate
910+
Students
Pennsylvania Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania Bar Exam FAQ
How does Pennsylvania constitutional law differ from federal constitutional law?
Pennsylvania's constitution often provides broader protections than the U.S. Constitution in areas such as privacy, search and seizure, and equal protection. Our flashcards highlight these state-specific distinctions so you know when to apply state versus federal standards.
What Pennsylvania constitutional topics are most tested on the bar exam?
Commonly tested areas include Pennsylvania's individual rights provisions, the structure of state government, home rule for municipalities, and any state constitutional amendments that differ from federal law. Our flashcards prioritize these high-yield topics.
Do I need to know the full text of the Pennsylvania Constitution?
No. The bar exam tests your understanding of key provisions, landmark state court interpretations, and how Pennsylvania constitutional principles apply in practice. Our flashcards distill these into the rules and holdings you need to know.