The United States Constitution

Article IV (4): Relations among the States This provision ensures that each state recognizes the laws, court decisions and records of all other states Congress has the power to admit new states The federal government will also defend the states against invasion or attack. Marriage and drivers licenses 2

Article V (5): The Amending Process The Framers of the Constitution deliberately made it difficult to amend or change the Constitution. There are two methods for proposing and ratifying (approve) amendments: A two-thirds majority is needed in Congress to propose an amendment and at least three fourths of the states (38 states) must accept the amendment before it can become law A national convention called by the states (this method has never been used). We have 27 total amendments

Article VI (6): National Supremacy This section promised that all debts the colonies had incurred during the Revolution and under the Articles of Confederation would be honored by the new United States government. The “supremacy clause” recognized the Constitution and federal laws as supreme when in conflict with those of the states. 2. Guns are allowed in US-can’t outlaw in MI

Article VI (6): National Supremacy The Constitution is the most important document in the United States. No state, county or city law will be superior to the Constitution. 2. Guns are allowed in US-can’t outlaw in MI

Article VII (7): Ratification of the Constitution The Constitution would become official when at least 9 of the thirteen states ratify it. The proposed Constitution was signed by 39 men on September 17, 1787 and went into effect in June 1788.

The Federal System Powers of the National Government Regulate interstate and foreign trade Set standard weights and measures Create and maintain armed forces Make copyright and patent laws Establish postal offices

The Federal System Powers of the National Government Establish foreign policy Create federal courts Coin money Declare war Admit new states

The Federal System Powers Reserved to the States Create corporation law Regulate trade within state Maintain schools Establish local governments

The Federal System Powers Reserved to the States Make laws about marriage and divorce Conduct elections Provide for public safety

The Federal System Shared Powers Provide for public welfare Administer criminal justice Charter banks Raise taxes Borrow money