“The Structure of the Constitution”

Three Parts of the Constitution Preamble - Introduction or Goals of the Constitution The 7 Articles - (LEJ RASR): Body of the Constitution The 27 Amendments - Changes to the Constitution

The “Preamble”

The introduction to our Constitution is called the Preamble. “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 for the United States of America.” The phrases “We the People” illustrates our belief in popular sovereignty, that the government gets it power from the people – the people rule by voting… this is known as POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY! Power is given to the government by the people, which is known as CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED This portion of the Constitution lists the six goals of our government.

Goal #1: To Form a more perfect Union To unite the states more effectively so they can operate as a single nation, for the good of all

Goal #2: To establish Justice To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally.

Goal #3: To insure domestic Tranquility To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and property safe from harm.

Goal #4: To provide for the common defense To be ready militarily to protect the country and it’s citizens from outside attack.

Goal #5: To promote the general Welfare To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

Goal #6: To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity To guarantee the freedom and basic rights of all Americans, including future generations (“posterity”). In order to carry out these goals, we the people do ordain (declare or decree) this as our plan for government – our Constitution!

The “Articles” Lists the functions and purposes of the government

Article I – “L” Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (U.S. Congress). It creates the “Senate” and the “House of Representatives”. (435 + 100 = 535) Congress has the task of “making laws”. Only Congress can declare war or coin money.

Article II – “E” Article II establishes the Executive Branch which is made up of the (U.S. President & Vice President). It establishes procedures for electing the President and Vice President The President’s cabinet The Executive Branch has the task of “carrying out or enforce the laws”.

Article III – “J” Article III establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and other lower courts). Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws (determine if the laws are constitutional!) 9 Supreme Court Justices!!!!

Article IV – “R” Article IV establishes the Relations of the states and the Rights of citizens. It establishes “good will” among states. Promises U.S. protection of the states. Sets up rights of citizens from state to state

Article V – “A” Article V discusses the Amending the Constitution To amend (or change) allows the Constitution to change with the times. We currently have 27 Amendments The first 10 make up the “Bill of Rights.”

Article VI -- “S” Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest authority in the land. If state law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution wins.

Article VII – “R” Article VII discusses the “ratification” of the Constitution. To Ratify means to Approve It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect. New Hampshire was the 9th – June 21, 1788