Chapter 3 - The Constitution Preamble Checks & Balances 7 Articles of the Constitution Purposes, Principles, & Powers of the Constitution Proposal & Ratification of Amendments

The Preamble to the Constitution We, the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America. 1.The states will now operate as one single country. 2.All citizens will be treated fairly and equally. 3.Keep peace among the people. 4.Maintain armed forces to protect our country and citizens. 5.Citizens will be free from poverty, hunger, and disease. 6.Guarantee that no Americans basic rights will be taken away now, and for future generations.

Makes sure laws follow Constitution Reject / Approve treaties Reject / Approve presidential appointments Checks & Balances Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Override veto Impeach president Veto laws Reject / Approve appointment of judges Impeach judges makes laws Congress Senate = 100 House of Representatives = 435 executes or carries out laws President Can propose laws Can pass laws Can make treaties judges or interprets laws Supreme Court 9 judges & Lower Federal Courts President appoints all federal judges Can declare acts of President unconstitutional

7 Articles of the Constitution Article 1 – Legislative Branch –Makes laws –Made up of the Senate & House of Representatives –100 Senators, 435 Representatives in the House = Congress Article 2 – Executive Branch - Explains how the President & Vice President are chosen and their powers Article 3 – Judicial Branch - Gives judicial power to the Supreme Court and lower federal courts

Article 4 – Explains the relationship between states, and between the state and national governments. Article 5 – Specifies how the Constitution can be changed or amended. Article 6 – Declares the Constitution to be the “Supreme Law of the Land” and also known as the Supremacy Clause Article 7 – The Constitution will go into effect after 9 of the 13 states ratify it.

Bill of Rights Amendment 1 – freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition Amendment 2 – right to bare arms Amendment 3 –quarter troops Amendment 4 – search & seizure Amendment 5 – due process, self-incrimination

Amendment 6 – speedy, fair, & public trial Amendment 7 – - Civil Cases - trial by jury is case involves more than $20.00 Amendment 8 – excessive bail; cruel & unusual punishment Amendment 9 – expressed or enumerated powers. Rights specifically given to the national government in the Constitution. Amendment 10 – reserved powers – rights that are not specifically given to the national government are reserved for the states. There are 27 total Amendments!

Purposes of the Constitution Provide us a government Supreme law in the land Framework of our government Has legal and political force. Gives the 3 branches its powers It’s a symbol of America’s ideals and beliefs.

4 Powers of the Constitution Expressed or Enumerated Powers – powers specifically given to the national government in the Constitution Reserved Powers – powers specifically set aside for the states in the Constitution Concurrent Powers – powers shared by the state and national governments. Implied Powers – powers not specifically written in the Constitution

6 Principles of the Constitution Popular Sovereignty – people rule themselves Limited Government – the governments power is limited Rule of Law – no one is above the law Federalism – the state and national governments share powers Separation of Powers – the 3 branches have separate powers Checks and Balances - each branch checks over the other to prevent one from having more power than the other.

Proposed Amendments A Constitutional Amendment can be proposed in one of two ways: 1. By 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress OR 2. By 2/3 of the states calling for a national convention.

Ratification of an Amendment An Amendment can be ratified in one of two ways: 1.¾ of the states must ratify it OR 2. ¾ of the state legislatures call for state conventions.

Interpretation of the Constitution The Constitution can be interpreted in 1 of 2 ways: 1.Strict Interpretation – the Constitution should be followed to the letter. OR 2. Loose Interpretation – the Constitution should be used as a guideline to make laws Congress feels is “Necessary & Proper” to complete its job.