Structures and Principles

Structure  Contains 7,000 words  Divided into 3 parts The Preamble The Articles The Amendments

The Preamble  Preamble – an introduction  States why the Constitution was written  Founders wanted gov’t to: Provide stability and order Protect citizens’ liberties Serve the people

The Articles  Seven total articles  Article 1 Establishes the legislative branch Lists procedures for making laws Types of laws congress can and cannot pass

The Articles  Article 2 Creates the executive branch to carry out laws Details the powers and duties of the President Procedures for electing the President

The Articles  Article 3 Establishes the Supreme Court and Judicial Branch Outlines the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court National Gov’t can create low federal courts

The Articles  Article 4 Explains the relationship between the states and the national gov’t Each state must give rights to citizens of other states Protection and admittance of the states

The Articles  Article 5 Explains how to amend the Constitution  Article 6 The Supremacy Clause – establishes laws of Congress, the Constitution, and treaties are the law of the land.  Article 7 Ratification of the Constitution (9 out of 13)

Major Principles  Popular Sovereignty Rule by the people The Constitution is based on this concept  Federalism Power is divided between national and state gov’ts National gov’t acts for the country States have power over many local matters

Major Principles  Separation of Powers Limits the central gov’t by creating the 3 branches Each branch has its own responsibilities  Checks and Balances Each branch has some control over the others Created a system of shared powers Page 66

Major Principles  Judicial Review Power of the courts to declare laws and actions invalid if they violate the Constitution The Supreme Court is the final authority Marbury v. Madison – 1803 case that gave the federal courts the precedent for federal courts to rule on the actions of the gov’t  Limited Gov’t Limits the actions of gov’t by listing powers it does and does not have