Chapter 3 The Constitution

Introduction to the Constitution The Constitution sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built. The Constitution is organized into eight sections: the Preamble and seven articles. The original document is followed by 27 amendments. See Page 65 for a chart listing the layout

Layout Section Subject Preamble States the purpose Article 1 Legislative Branch Article 2 Executive Branch Article 3 Judicial Branch Article 4 Relations among States Article 5 Amending Constitution Article 6 National debts, supremacy of national law, oath of office Article 7 Ratifying Constitution

Preamble- 6 Basic Principles of Government Popular sovereignty Limited government Separation of powers Checks and balances Judicial review - power to determine constitutionality Federalism

How to Amend The Constitution provides for its own amendment—that is, for changes in its written words. Two methods for the proposal Two methods for the ratification Makes four possible methods of formal amendment.

Amendment to Constitution

Amendments

Informal Amendments The process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word.

Ways to Informally Amend the Constitution (1) the passage of basic legislation by Congress Ex) Stimulus Bill (2) actions taken by the President Ex) Sending troops for Peacekeeping missions like in Black Hawk Down Executive Agreement

Way to Informally Amend (con.) (3) key decisions of the Supreme Court Ex) Roe v. Wade making abortion legal (4) the activities of political parties Ex) Nominating process like Hillary vs. Obama (5) custom Ex) President only for two terms Ex) Cabinet positions Ex) Senatorial Courtesy