The Constitution of the U.S. Written in 1787 Ratified in 1789 Bill of Rights 1791- ( 1st Ten Amendments)
Set up of the Constitution Preamble Articles ( 7 in the body ) Sections ( explanations ) Amendments ( 27 : 17 since 1791 )
Preamble What is the Preamble? It is the opening declaration of the Constitution. It tells us what are the main goals for our Constitution.
What are the goals listed in the Preamble? “To form a more perfect union” A more perfect union? “To Establish Justice” “To insure domestic tranquility” What is domestic tranquility?
What are the goals listed in the Preamble? “To provide for the common defense” “To promote the general welfare” “To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”
Article I: The Legislative Branch Main job is to make laws Bicameral Legislation Senate = 2 per state or 100 senators Senators: Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole House of Representatives= 1per 500,000 people or 435 representatives. District 4 Representative: David Price
Article II: The Executive Branch President of the United States Vice President of the United States Main job is to enforce laws
Article III: The Judicial Branch Sets up a Supreme Court Allows congress to set up a court system Supreme Court= 9 Justices ( includes 1 Chief Justice: John Roberts ) Main Job: To interpret Laws
Article IV: Relationship among states Sets up that states must respect each others laws and court decisions. Sets up procedures to add more states
Article V: The Amendment Process How can the constitution be changed? This article gives the two ways in which the constitution can be changed.
Article VI: Supremacy Clause It states that the constitution is the supreme law of the land. If any law or person comes against the Constitution then the law or person is wrong. Know it as the Supremacy Clause
Article VII: Ratification Process It states what must happen for the Constitution to be approved. 9 of the 13 states must approve the constitution for it to become the new government.
Major Themes: Federalism- Powers are split between The federal government The state government The local government
Major Themes: Separation of Powers between Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch
Checks and Balances In separation of powers: How each branch can check on each other. A major function to make sure one group does not get to powerful. Page 91: Describe the ways the each branch checks on the other branches.
Major Themes Popular Sovereignty- The government gets the power from the consent of the people. Republican Democratic State
What are the goals listed in the Preamble? “To form a more perfect union” A more perfect union? “To Establish Justice” “To insure domestic tranquility” What is domestic tranquility?