The Constitution of the United States

The Preamble Lists the Reasons the Constitution was written “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 of the United States of America. “

Article I The Legislative Branch Can make and Pass Laws Impeachment Process is described Discusses the very basics of the makeup of each house of Congress “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.”

Article II The Executive Branch Discusses the basics of the Presidency Veto power Commander-in-chief of the military Appointments All other aspects of the role “The Executive power shall be vested in the President of the United States of America.”

Article III The Judicial Branch Lists the functions of the branch: Interpretation Judicial Review: power to strike down laws and govt. actions Checks both Congress and the president “The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in on Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.”

Article IV Relations Among States The relationships between the States as well as the Federal Government Citizenship Extradition Admission Guarantees to the states Protection against invasion Certain freedoms

Article V Amending the Constitution 4 methods Proposed in Congress by a 2/3 majority in BOTH Houses and ratified by ¾ of States (26/27) Proposed in Congress by a 2/3 majority in BOTH houses and ratified by ¾ State Conventions (21st) Proposed by a National Convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 of State Legislatures Proposed by a National Convention and ratified by Conventions

Article VI Supremacy of the National Government Debts Supreme Law of the Land: Constitution Loyalty to the Constitution

Article VII Ratification 2/3 of the States must pass the Constitution Witnesses/representatives from each state that view the ratification sign their names EX. NY: Alexander Hamilton GA: Abraham Baldwin Virginia: James Madison PA: Ben Franklin