When we take the oath of office, we swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Foreign enemies are easy to recognize, but we must have a good understanding of our Constitution to detect domestic threats. Do we swear to the defend the president? Hitler/Furer The US Constitution 1 1 1 1

Overview Origins of the Constitution Constitutional Principles and Provisions Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

Origins of the Constitution Philosophical Ideas John Locke Declaration of Independence Upon Independence War 13 colonies to 13 states -It is amazing to think that a document drafted by a greatly varied cross-section of American society—lawyers, soldiers, planters, educators, ministers, physicians, financiers, and merchants. Rebellion force - The United States is unique in history as being the first and longest lasting Constitutional Republic. lasted more than 220 years with only 27 amendments. Created to be a living doc. John Lock was one of the most influential philosophers with respect to the development of the US Constitution a. Equality b. Natural Law and C. Natural Rights On July 4, 1776 4 4 3 4

Constitutional Principles and Provisions Federalism Enumerated Powers Separation of Powers - LOQ: When you hear the word “federalism”, what do you think of? - AR: Having a government at the national level. Limited Government. The Constitution limited the Federal Government by its use of enumerated powers, meaning unless a power was specifically granted to the national government, it did not have that power. It limits federal government to only those powers specifically listed in the Constitution Separation of Powers. Government is divided into branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) 5 5 4 5

Elements of the US Constitution Preamble Articles First 10 Amendments to the Constitution: The Bill of Rights Other Amendments The Constitution consists of a preamble, 7 articles, and 27 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 The Preamble explains the purposes of the US Constitution and defines the powers of the new government as originating from the people of the United States. 12 12 7 12

Articles I-IV Articles I-III: Divides Government into Three Branches Legislative Executive Judicial Article IV: States Rights Powers Limitations I. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. II. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. III. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. IV. This section requires the states to honor one another's laws, records, and court rulings. The rule prevents a person from avoiding justice by leaving a state - Road rules - Fishing rules 11 11 6 11

Articles V-VII Articles V: Amending the US Constitution Proposing an amendment Articles VI: Federal Powers Article VII: Ratification of the US Constitution V. Amendments may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of each house of Congress or by a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the states. To become part of the Constitution, amendments must be ratified (approved) by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. VI. This section promises that all debts and obligations made by the United States before the adoption of the Constitution will be honored VII. States 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 Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

QUESTIONS? 1 1 1 1