Structure of the Constitution Part 2 – pg 128

Pg 128 The Constitution has 3 parts: the preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments

Goals of the Preamble Pg 128 To form a more perfect union -All states should work together as a unified nation To establish justice – Everyone should be treated equally and fairly under the law To ensure domestic tranquility – The gov’t has the responsibility to ensure peace and order at home To provide for the common defense – The gov’t has the responsibility to protect its citizens against foreign attacks To promote the general welfare – The gov’t has the responsibility to promote the well-being of all citizens To secure the blessings of liberty – The gov’t should value and protect the rights of its citizens

Articles Pg 128 Constitution has seven sections or articles First 3 articles describe the 3 branches of gov’t; their power and limits Article 4: relations between states States need to honor other’s states laws Covers how new states are accepted Article 5: how to amend Constitution Article 6: Constitution is supreme law of land States can’t make laws that violate the Constitution Article 7: how to ratify the Constiutiton

Amendments Amendments are formal changes made to the Constitution Pg 129 Amendments Amendments are formal changes made to the Constitution Some added ideas, others repealed (canceled) ideas Only 27 changes have been made in the last 200 years