Chapter 3: The Constitution Lesson 3: The Structures of the Constitution

The Parts of the Constitution The main purpose of the United States Constitution is to provide a plan of government It is also the highest authority in the nation The powers of the three branches of government comes from it The flexibility of the Constitution has proved a strength over the years

The Preamble The preamble: the opening section of the Constitution Expresses that the power of the government comes from the people

The Seven Articles Articles: one of several main parts of the Constitution The first three articles state the powers and responsibilities of each branch of government Article I: The Legislative Branch Lawmaking branch of the government Article II: The Executive Branch The branch of government that carries out laws Article III: The Judicial Branch The branch of government that interprets laws

The Seven Articles Article IV: explains the relationship between the states and the national government Article V: describes when and how the Constitution can be changed Article VI: declares the Constitution the ”supreme Law of the Land” Article VII: describes how the Constitution was to be ratified

The Amendments Amendments: any change in the Constitution 27 total amendments in the Constitution The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights

Amending the Constitution Amending the Constitution is a difficult but not impossible process Step 1 : Amendment proposed by: A 2/3rd vote of both houses of Congress OR A constitutional convention called by Congress on petition of 2/3rds of the 50 states Step 2: Amendment ratified by: 3/4th of the 50 state legislatures 3/4ths of special constitutional conventions called by 50 states New Amendment to the Constitution

Interpreting the Constitution Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” to carry out its duties This is called the necessary and proper clause and allows Congress to use powers not directly listed in the Constitution These powers are known as implied powers

Interpreting the Constitution The final authority for interpreting the Constitution is the Supreme Court Over the years, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution in different was With each new interpretation by the Court, our government changes

Interpreting the Constitution Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that the president should propose bills or budgets to Congress Each year since George Washington presidents have done this Constitution does not mention political parties; however, they have become an important part of the political system