1. Comparing the U.S. Constitution to the Ohio Constitution

2. We’ll get to Ohio’s later….
Let’s start with the U.S. Constitution
We’ll get to Ohio’s later….

3. The Constitution – Dissected 4 “Sections”
The Preamble (purpose of gov’t)
Seven Articles
Bill of Rights (1st Ten Amends.)
17 more Amendments

4. The Constitution - Dissected
Article I : Defines the Legislative branch
Qualifications;
Procedures for making laws;
Powers;
Powers Forbidden;
Powers Denied the states

5. The Constitution - Dissected
Article II : Defines Executive branch
Qualifications
Powers; Responsibilities
Impeachment

6. The Constitution - Dissected
Article III : Defines Judicial branch
The SC and the Inferior Courts
Jurisdiction
Treason

7. The Constitution - Dissected
Article IV : The States
Relationship to each other
Relationship to the Federal Gov’t
Citizens’ rights and fugitives
New states

8. The Constitution - Dissected
Article V : Changing the Constitution (More on this in a bit…)

9. *Changing the Constitution
Formal Changes and Informal Changes
FORMAL: Constitutional Amendments (Article V)

10. *Formally Changing the Constitution
2/3 of Congress; ¾ of the states legislatures (26 of 27)
People’s Role? A lot of criticism here
2/3 of Congress and approved by ¾ states at conventions for that purpose (only the 21st)

11. *Formally Changing the Constitution
Only one topic (?) untouchable:
Equal votes in Senate
President not involved in the Amendment process (no veto)

12. Informal Changes
Changes put into place by the day-to-day, year-to-year experiences of government under the Constitution

13. Informal Changes Congressional Legislation (courts)
Executive Action (War)
Party Practice (nominations)
Court Decisions (Marbury v. Madison)

14. Informal Changes Custom: Senatorial Courtesy President’s Cabinet
Custom’s that BECAME law:
2 term president;
Vice-President becoming prez

15. The Constitution - Dissected
Article VI :
Debts
Supreme Law of the Land
Duties of Public Officials to uphold the Constitution

16. The Constitution - Dissected
Article VII : Ratification
9 States NEEDED
Signatures

17. The Constitution - Dissected
27 Amendments
Bill of Rights : First Ten (1791)
17 more added throughout history (last was 1992)