1. PrinCIPLES & StructURE of The U.S. Constitution!
Unit 2
Chapter 2

2. 6 Principles of US Constitution
The 6 main concepts that US Constitution is built around:
1. Limited Government: there are limits to what govt. can and cannot do, ex.: no ex post facto law
2. Popular Sovereignty: People rule in a democracy. People are the source of power
3. Federalism: a system of govt. with many levels, sharing power. Ex. National/state/local
4. Judicial Review: the national courts in charge of interpreting laws and rules making sure they are always Constitutional, a power given to courts under Marbury vs. Madison (1803)
5. Separation of powers: power will be divided among the many, (3 branches) so not in hands of one person or group
6. Checks & balances: making sure there is no overreach by any one branch, approval or confirmation of actions of other branches

3. Preamble The Preamble = Introduction
States why the Constitution was written. 6 reasons:
1. Form a more perfect union: from AOC to Federal system
2. Establish justice: judicial branch, none under AOC
3. Insure domestic tranquility: executive branch to enforce
4. Provide for common defense: militia turned to military
5. Promote general welfare: services, trade reg.
6. Secure the blessing of liberty: forever in this document

4. Article I: The Legislative Branch
AKA: Congress
Job: make laws
Bicameral: made up of two houses
House of Representatives
Senate

5. Article I: Legislative Branch Cont.…
Article I: made up of 10 sections:
1. power & make up
2. terms, qualifications, etc…
3. senate: terms, qualifications
4. elections & meeting dates
5. Organizational rules
6. Privileges & restrictions
7. passing laws
8. powers granted to congress
9. powers denied
10. powers denied to states

6. Article II: The Executive Branch
AKA: The Presidency &
Executive departments
Job: to enforce laws
4 sections listed:
1. Pres. & V.P. terms, elections, qualifications
2. Powers of President &
Powers of VP
3. Duties of President
4. Impeachment

7. Article III The Judicial Branch
AKA: The Federal Courts or
The Judiciary
Job: to interpret laws based on US on the Constitution
The smallest of 3 branches, but but judicial review makes it it as important (Marbury v.
Madison, 1803)
3 sections listed:
1. federal courts
2. Jurisdiction
3. Treason

8. Article IV: Relations Among the States
The origins of Federalism in the Constitution
This article ensures that each state recognizes the laws, court decisions, & records of all other states
4 sections listed below:
1. Official acts: Full Faith & Credit Clause
which states the above
2. Privileges & Immunities Clause;
Extradition Clause
3. New States (AOC) & rights over territories (Congress)
4. Guarantee of Republic & Federal protection of the states from outside & domestic threats!

9. Article V: Amending the US Constitution
The process by which the Constitution can be changed to meet the needs of an evolving nation:
Proposed:
1. 2/3 vote in each house of Congress (27)
2. proposed by national convention called by Congress at request of 2/3 of states
Ratified:
1. by ¾ of state legislatures (26)
2. by ¾ of states in state conventions (1)
In combination, 4 ways are possible!

10. Article VI: National Supremacy
AKA: The Supremacy Clause
Has 3 parts:
1. All debts and agreements under AOC still valid
2. US Constitution, Federal laws, and Treaties are supreme in conflicts between state and national law
3. Oaths of office; no religious test required (sometimes known as a litmus test)

11. Article VII: Ratification of US Constitution
Required 9/13 states’ approval for ratification; signed on September 17, 1787 by 39 delegates of 12 states:
1st: Delaware
4th: Georgia
9th: New Hampshire
10th and 11th: Virginia and New York (most populous)
Last: Rhode Island

12. Amendments 27 Amendments in US Constitution
Amendments 1-10 aka: the Bill of Rights, passed in 1791
Amendments 11-27: passed from