Chapter Three The Constitution and the People

Preamble Lists the goals and purposes of the Federal govt. A more perfect union Establish justice Insure domestic tranquility…

Main Body Consists of Seven major articles Article I Sets limits on powers of government focuses on legislative branch

Article II II – Focuses on executive Branch How pres & VP are chosen Powers, duties & obligations of Pres. & V. Pres.

Article III III focuses on Judicial Branch Provides for supreme court Defines kinds of cases court can hear

Article IV IV focuses on relations between states & national government

Article V V Focuses on the ways in which the Constitution may be amended

Article VI Public debts supremacy of national law Oaths of office

Article VII VII – ratification process that put Constitution into effect

Principles of Government

Principle of constitutionalism powers of people running govt. are limited by set of laws they must obey

Constitution is a contract Between us and Gov. Based on powers of gov. Also rights and duties as citizens

Principle of Limited Govt. Government is given the power to only do certain things

Principle of Constitutional supremacy Constitution and national laws are superior to state laws & constitutions

Principle of Rule of Law Both the ruler and ruled are bound by the same laws & have same rights

Principle of Popular Sovereignty Gov. gets authority from the people & function with their consent

Principle of Separation of Powers Powers are divided among legislative, executive and judicial branches

Principle of Checks and BalancesChecks and Balances Each branch can check the powers of the other two

Principle of Judicial ReviewJudicial Review Courts have the power to decide whether a law or executive action is Constitutional