The Constitution of the United States

Warm-Up Questions CPS Questions 1-2 Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Lesson Overview  The Constitution of the United Statesa remarkable document  The Constitution of the United States—a remarkable document  The process of amending the Constitution  How the Constitution is interpreted Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Quick Write How do you think the Constitution of the United States protects your rights and freedoms as an American citizen? Write down everything you know about the Constitution of the United States. (Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS) Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

The Constitution of the United States  One of the first written constitutions in modern history  Formed the basis of our democracy  A representative legislature  The office of president  A system of courts  A process for adding amendments Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo/Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System

Parts of the Constitution  Preamble  Seven articles  27 Amendments Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

Preamble  “To form a more perfect Union”  “To establish Justice”  “To insure domestic Tranquility”  “To provide for the common Defense”  “To promote the general Welfare”  “To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

The Articles  Articles I-III - describe the powers and responsibilities of each branch of government  Articles IV – states must respect each other’s laws, court decisions, and records  Article V – Specifies how amendments are made  Article VI – declares the Constitution the “supreme law of the land”  Article VII – dealt with practical matters Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

Activity 1: Articles of the Constitution  Review the section in your textbook on the articles  Complete the table and briefly summarize the sections of each article Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Learning Check Questions CPS Questions 3-4 Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Activity 2: State Constitution  Locate your state’s constitution and read a section  Identify one similarity and one difference between your state constitution and the US Constitution  Answer the questions Chapter 5, Lesson 3

The Amendment Process  Proposal  Congressional action  National convention requested by 2/3 of the state legislatures  Ratification Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

Learning Check Questions CPS Questions 5-6 Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Activity 3: Constitutional Amendments  Research an amendment  Answer the questions Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Interpretation of the Constitution  Necessary and proper clause  Interpretation through court decisions  Interpretation through congressional and presidential actions  Interpretation through custom Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia

Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Learning Check Questions CPS Questions 7-8

Activity 4: Interpreting the Constitution  Review the section in your textbook on how the Constitution is interpreted  Match the interpretation to its correct description  Answer the questions Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Summary  The Constitution of the United Statesa remarkable document  The Constitution of the United States—a remarkable document  The process of amending the Constitution  How the Constitution is interpreted Chapter 5, Lesson 3

Review Questions CPS Questions 9-10 (Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS)

Next….  Done – the Constitution of the United States  Next – interpreting the Bill of Rights and other amendments Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Photo Courtesy of Fotolia