The US Constitution 1 1 1 1

Overview Origins of the Constitution Constitutional Principles and Provisions Ways to Amend the US Constitution Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

Origins of the Constitution Framework of America’s system of government Divides power between the states and the federal government (purposes and duties) Creates a government that puts the power in the hands of the people Difference between the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence When was the U.S. Constitution written and signed? 4 4 3 4

Constitutional Principles and Provisions Federalism Enumerated Powers Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances 5 5 4 5

Ways to Amend the US Constitution The Proposal Process By the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate By a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures None of the 27 amendments to the Constitution have been proposed by constitutional convention 6 6 5 6

Ways to Amend the US Constitution The Ratification Process A proposed amendment becomes must be ratified by three-fourths of the States (38 of 50 States) May also be ratified by a special conventions called by three-fourths of the States. 21st Amendment is the only one adopted in this manner. However, Congress has the power to decide which method of ratification will be used 6 6 5 6

Elements of the US Constitution Preamble Articles First 10 Amendments to the Constitution: The Bill of Rights Other Amendments 11 11 6 11

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 12 12 7 12

Articles I-IV Articles I-III: Divides Government into Three Branches Legislative Executive Judicial Article IV: States Rights Powers Limitations 11 11 6 11

Articles V-VII Articles V: Amending the US Constitution Proposing an amendment The ratification process Articles VI: Federal Powers Article VII: Ratification of the US Constitution 11 11 6 11

Bill of Rights First ten amendments to the Constitution 11 11 6 11

Other Amendments 11 11 11 6

Summary Origins of the Constitution Constitutional Principles and Provisions Ways to Amend the US Constitution Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

QUESTIONS? 1 1 1 1