Chapter 3: The Constitution American Citizenship Chapter 3: The Constitution

Section 1 Six Basic Principles

An Outline of the Constitution Contains roughly 7,000 words Preamble Articles First three articles deal with the three branches of the National Government Legislative Executive Judiciary Basic Organization and Powers

An Outline of the Constitution (Con’t) Article IV States Powers and Relationship with National Government Article V Amendments Proposal and Ratification Article VI Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land Article VII Methods of Ratification of the Constitution Followed by 27 Amendments

Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Governed by the People “We the People…” Preamble Limited Government Government is not all powerful Rule of Law Government and its officials are always subject to the law

Basic Principles (Con’t) Separation of Powers Congress is the lawmaking body Executive is the law enforcing and executing branch Judiciary interprets and applies the laws Each Branch is separate and independent

Basic Principles (Con’t) Checks and Balances Each Branch, though separate, yet also tied together They each contain powers to check the other branches powers Ex. Congress can pass laws and president can veto the law Makes Compromises vital

Basic Principles (Con’t) Judicial Review The Power of courts to decide whether the government is in accordance with the law Determine if governments actions are unconstitutional To declare illegal, null and void Federalism The division of power among a central government and several regional governments (AKA States)