United States Constitution

Structure (3 parts) Preamble Body (articles and clauses) Amendments

Preamble Tells why the constitution was written 6 purposes 1. to form a more perfect union (a better nation than before) 2. establish justice (treated equally under by the law) 3. insure domestic tranquility (peace within the country)

5. promote the general welfare 4. provide for the common defense (defend from other countries) 5. promote the general welfare (look out for every citizen’s well being) 6. secure the blessings of liberty (make sure everyone has freedom) Preamble

Articles (7 divisions of the constitution) The Constitution is divided up into Articles (7) Sections Clauses

Article 1 legislative branch (congress) Their job is to make laws

Article 2 Executive Branch President and Vice-President Their job is to enforce the law

Article 3 Judicial Branch Supreme Court Their job is to interpret the laws Gives Congress power to create other federal courts

Article 4 Relationships Between two or more states Between a state and the national government

Article 5 Amending the constitution Explains how to change the constitution

Article 6 supremacy clause The U.S. Constitution and laws and treaties passed by congress are the “supreme law of the land” No state can make a law that goes against the national constitution National government has the final say

Article 7 Ratification The Constitution takes effect when 9 of the 13 states ratify (approve) it 

Amendments 3rd part of the constitution There are currently 27 amendments

Principles of the Constitution There are 6 ideas that are at the foundation of the constitution Popular sovereignty Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Judicial Review Limited Government

1. Popular Sovereignty Popular = ? Sovereignty = ? rule by the people (consent of the governed )

2. Federalism power is divided between the states and the national government both levels have their own laws, officials, etc. neither states or federal government have all of the power Why? Bad experience with the king (unitary) The Articles of Confederation failed (confederation)

3. Separation of Powers power is divided between the 3 branches legislative, executive, and judicial

Federalism & Separation of Powers

4. Checks and Balances each branch has some control over the others  examples laws passed by congress can be vetoed (rejected)by president congress can override (cancel out) the veto Courts can declare laws unconstitutional (illegal because they go against the constitution) all elected officials can be removed from office by congress)

5. Judicial Review power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional all courts have this power, but Supreme Court has the final say can be reversed by future courts or amendments to the constitution

Limited Government limits on the actions of the government and its officials Nobody is above the law Specifically lists the powers it does and does not have Principles video