US Constitution US Constitution 1

Origins of the Constitution Constitutional Principles and Provisions Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution Elements of the Constitution and its amendmentsOverview 2

Philosophical Ideas – John Locke – Declaration of Independence – Articles of Confederation – Shay’s Rebellion – The Great Compromise – The Federalists Papers – Ratification debate Origins of the Constitution 3

Federalism Enumerated Powers Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances Constitutional Principles and Provisions 4

The Proposal Process – By the Congress with a two- thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate – By a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures. None of the 27 amendments to the Constitution have been proposed by constitutional convention. Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution 5

The Ratification process – A proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the States (38 of 50 States). – May also be ratified by a special conventions called by three-fourths of the States. 21st Amendment is the only one adopted in this manner. – However, Congress has the power to decide which method of ratification will be used Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution 6

Preamble Articles First 10 Amendments to the Constitution— The Bill of Rights Other Amendments Elements of the U.S. Constitution 7

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 for the United States of AmericaPreamble 8

Articles I-III: Divides Gov’t. into Three Branches – Legislative – Executive – Judicial Articles IV: States Rights – Powers – Limitations Articles I-IV 9

Articles V: Amending the U.S. Constitution – Proposing an amendment – The ratification process Articles VI: Federal Powers Article VII: Ratification of the U.S. Constitution Articles V-VII 10

Bill of Rights 11 First ten amendments to the Constitution

Other Amendments 12

Origins of the Constitution Constitutional Principles and Provisions Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution Elements of the Constitution and its amendmentsSummary 13

QUESTIONS? 14