-Structure of the Constitution -Amending the Constitution -Interpreting the Constitution -Major Principles of the Constitution

Provides a framework for gov’t Highest authority in the US

 Gives the purpose of the constitution  6 goals:  To form a more perfect union  Establish justice  Insure domestic tranquility  Provide for the common defense  Promote the general welfare  To secure blessings of liberty to ourselves and out posterity

 Article I outlines the legislative branch  Article II outlines the executive branch  Article III outlines the judicial branch  Article IV outlines the relationship between the states and the national gov’t  Article V outlines the amendment process  Article VI outlines National Supremacy  Article VII outlines ratification

Article I: Legislative Branch  House of Rep.  Senate  Powers of Congress  Limits of Congress

Article II: Executive Branch  Qualifications for President/Vice President  Roles and Powers of President

Article III: Judicial Branch  Length of term for Justices  Supreme Power of the Supreme Court

Article IV: Relations among states  States must respect one another’s laws  How new states will be admitted  US will protect states from invasion

Article V: Amendments to the Constitution  Changes to document needs  There have only been 27 amendments to the Constitution  Difficult process

Article VI: “The Supremacy Clause”  Constitution the “Supreme law of the Land”.  National gov’t is superior to state gov’t.

Article VII: Ratifying the Constitution  9 of 13 states must ratify for Constitution to take effect.

 Art. I gives Congress power to make any laws that are “necessary and proper”- called implied powers  Ex. Regulating air pollution, television, internet, etc.  Legislative and executive decisions  Court decisions  Custom

 Federalism  Popular Sovereignty  Rule of Law  Separation of Powers  Checks and Balances

 Main Concept: Splitting power between the federal and state governments. National Government: President Barack Obama State Government: Governor Andrew Cuomo

 Definition: Powers listed in the Constitution, given to the Federal Government  Examples: Coin money, Build Post Office

 Definition: Powers given to state governments. (not listed in Constitution)  Examples: Build Schools, Hold Elections

 Definition: Powers given to both the state and federal governments. (shared powers)  Examples: Collect Taxes, Enforce Laws

EXPRESSED Regulate trade among states and with other countries Conduct foreign affairs Raise and support an army Coin and print money Establish a postal system Govern territories, admit states, regulate immigration Pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out powers RESERVED Establish local governments Regulate trade within the state Conduct elections Establish public school system Make rules for marriage and divorce Provide for the public safety, health and welfare of citizens CONCURRENT Enforce the laws Establish courts and prisons Collect taxes Borrow money Provide for the general welfare