The Constitution

Parts of the Constitution Preamble Article 1-7 Amendments 1-27

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.

Article I. Legislative Branch Makes the laws Congress is made up of 2 houses: House of Representatives 435 members based on state population Qualifications: 25 years old US citizen for at least 7 years Live in the state elected by Senate 100 members All states get 2 representatives Qualifications: 30 years old US citizen for at least 9 years Live in the state elected by

What does the Constitution say? Make laws Taxing & spending Borrow money Establish bankruptcy laws Coin, print, & regulate money Punish counterfeiters Regulate foreign & interstate commerce Establish laws of naturalization Establish post offices & post roads Grant copyrights & patents Create lower federal courts Govern Washington, D.C.

What does the Constitution say? Declare War Raise, support, & regulate an army & navy Provide, regulate, & call into service a militia (National Guard) Punish acts committed on international waters & against the laws of nations Choose the President if a majority cannot be determined Impeachment proceedings Confirm Presidential appointments Ratify treaties Amend the Constitution

What does the Constitution say? Elastic Clause: Provide for laws “necessary & proper” for carrying out all other listed powers Article 1 Sc. 8 Example: power to establish laws of naturalization – IMPLIES the power to limit the number of immigrants to the US Power to call up militia – IMPLIES the right to draft people into service

Article II. Executive Branch Enforce the laws President & his cabinet Cabinet – a group of advisors that help the president make decisions in certain areas. President: Qualifications: 35 years old natural born citizen must live in the U.S. for at least 14 years

Article III. Judicial Branch Interpret the laws Courts, judges, etc. Constitution only talks about the Supreme Court which is made up of 9 Justices. Justices are selected by the President & approved by the Senate. Cannot be removed unless they do something illegal.

Supreme Court

Article IV Relations between the States “full faith and credit clause” – states must honor the laws, court decisions, & records of other states.

Article V Amending (changing) the Constitution Step 1: Proposal Step 2: Ratification

Article VI National Supremacy “Supremacy clause” – recognizes that the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, & treaties entered into by the US are the “supreme law of the land.”

Article VII Ratification Explains the ratification of the Constitution by 9/13 of states

Major Principles of the U.S. Constitution popular sovereignty republicanism limited government federalism separation of powers checks & balances individual rights