Chapter 4 The United States Constitution Government Alive! Chapter 4 The United States Constitution

Introduction Objectives: Gain insight into the 3 guiding principles found in the document Identify the titles of each Article of the Constitution Outline the 3 types of power established by the constitution Evaluate court cases that helped shape this document Analyze the information within the Constitution Interpret the ways which the Constitution has been argued

4.2 Elements of the Constitution The Articles Establish Our National Government Amendments: Formal Changes to the Constutution The Preamble Sets the Purpose

Elements of the Constitution continued… The Preamble Various goals: Form a more perfect union. Establish justice. Ensure domestic tranquility. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare. Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Elements of the Constitution continued… The Articles Article I Establishes the Legislative Branch Article II Establishes the Executive Branch Article III Establishes the Judicial Branch Article IV Concerns Relations among the States Article V Describes the Amendment Process Article VI Makes the Constitution the Supreme Law of the Land Article VII Explains the Ratification Process

4.3 Amending the Constitution How a proposed amendment proceeds after a 2/3 vote in each house of Congress. ~or~ A national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures. The Congress The legislatures of 3/4 of all states Special state conventions in 3/4 of all the states National Convention

Guiding Principles of the Constitution Establishing a Limited Government Popular Sovereignty The Rule of Law Separation of Powers—Checks and Balances Federalism An Independent Judiciary Individual Rights

Enumerated or Implied Powers Enumerated powers are those that are specifically listed in the Constitution. Implied Powers are those that the legislature can claim as part of its lawmaking responsibility “Elastic Clause”—stretched to cover a variety of issues and circumstances

Strict v. Loose construction Strict construction of the Constitution Literal reading of the Constitution Holds that the original language of the Constitution and the intent of the framers must serve as primary guides to judicial interpretation Loose construction of the Constitution Flexible reading of the Constitution Holds that modern values and social consequences must be taken into account in interpreting the Constitution.