1. Basic Principles of the Constitution

2. Organization of the Constitution:
Preamble: states the broad purposes of the Const.
Introduces concepts like popular sovereignty and representative government

3. Organization: Articles: name given to sections of the Const.
There are 7:
1-3: deal with branches of government
4: States relationship with the Union
5: How to add formal amendments
6: Constitution is the supreme law of the land
7: Requirements for ratification

4. Basic Principles: 1. Popular Sovereignty: power to the people.
2. Limited Government: government must be conducted according to Constitutional principles(Constitutionalism).

5. Principles con’t:
3. Separation of Powers: Each branch has clearly defined roles.
4. Checks and Balances: Each branch can overturn a decision from another branch

6. Last One:
5. Judicial Review: Is the governmental action constitutional??
The case of Marbury vs. Madison(1803)
6. Federalism: division of power amongst a centralized and group of local governments.