Unit 2: The Constitution Structure of the Constitution

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution Notes: The Constitution of the U.S., is relatively brief compared to other developed nations. But this doesn’t mean that it is ineffective. It does a great job of outlining how government should function in a concise manner. The Constitution of the U.S., is relatively brief compared to other developed nations. But this doesn’t mean that it is ineffective. It does a great job of outlining how government should function in a concise manner.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution (cont’d.) Notes: The Constitution is divided into 3 parts: The Constitution is divided into 3 parts: 1.Preamble 2.Articles 3.Amendments

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Preamble Notes: The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and outlines what our Founders wanted to accomplish in our new government. (Much like a thesis statement) The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and outlines what our Founders wanted to accomplish in our new government. (Much like a thesis statement) The objective of our American Government is: “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.” The objective of our American Government is: “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.”

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Articles Notes: There are 7 Articles in the Constitution giving different aspects of the government, their respective powers. There are 7 Articles in the Constitution giving different aspects of the government, their respective powers.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Articles (cont’d.) Notes: The Articles include: The Articles include: – Article I: Legislative Branch – Article II: Executive Branch – Article III: Judicial Branch – Article IV: States Rights and Responsibilities – Article V: How to Amend the Constitution – Article VI: The Supremacy Clause – Article VII: Ratification

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments Notes: The Amendments are formal changes to the constitution. The 1 st 10 amendments are referred to as the Bill of Rights and they are: The Amendments are formal changes to the constitution. The 1 st 10 amendments are referred to as the Bill of Rights and they are: – 1 st Amendment: Freedom of speech, the press, and assembly. – 2 nd Amendment: The right to bear arms. – 3 rd Amendment: Government cannot force citizens to shelter soldiers. – 4 th Amendment: Protects against illegal search and seizure. – 5 th Amendment: Habeas Corpus, due process, protection from self incrimination, double jeopardy, and imminent domain

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d.) Notes: – 6 th Amendment: Right to a fair and speedy trial/representation. – 7 th Amendment: Right to trial by jury in federal courts. – 8 th Amendment: No cruel/unusual punishment. – 9 th Amendment: Covers any unlisted basic human rights. – 10 th Amendment: Any powers not specifically given to the federal government, are state powers

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d.) Notes: Other Amendments include: Other Amendments include: – 11 th Amendment: Establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. – 12 th Amendment: Establishes the Electoral College for presidential elections. – 13 th Amendment: Abolishes slavery. – 14 th Amendment: Gives equal protection under the law. – 15 th Amendment: Gives voting rights to all male citizens. – 16 th Amendment: Establishes the federal income tax system.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d.) Notes: 17 th Amendment: Establishes popular vote for senators. 17 th Amendment: Establishes popular vote for senators. 18 th Amendment: Establishes prohibition (ban on alcohol). 18 th Amendment: Establishes prohibition (ban on alcohol). 19 th Amendment: Gives women the right to vote. 19 th Amendment: Gives women the right to vote. 20 th Amendment: Sets terms for the president and members of Congress. 20 th Amendment: Sets terms for the president and members of Congress. 21 st Amendment: Ends prohibition. 21 st Amendment: Ends prohibition.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d.) Notes: 22 nd Amendment: Establishes term limits for the president. 22 nd Amendment: Establishes term limits for the president. 23 rd Amendment: Washington D.C. gains electoral votes. 23 rd Amendment: Washington D.C. gains electoral votes. 24 th Amendment: Ends poll taxes. 24 th Amendment: Ends poll taxes. 25 th Amendment: Clarifies presidential succession. 25 th Amendment: Clarifies presidential succession. 26 th Amendment: Lowers the voting age to th Amendment: Lowers the voting age to th Amendment: Legislators can give themselves raises in election years. 27 th Amendment: Legislators can give themselves raises in election years.