1. Chapter 3
The Constitution

2. Section 1 Structure and Principles
SSCG3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution.
a. Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; include those in The Federalist.
b. Analyze the purpose of government stated in the Preamble of the United States Constitution.
c. Explain the fundamental principles upon which the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.
SSCG4 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government.
a. Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
b. Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.

3. Structure
3 Parts of the Constitution
Preamble
Articles
Amendments

4. The Preamble
Basically an introduction to what the Constitution would be all about.
The Preamble
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,[1] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. “

5. The Seven Articles
7 Divisions (articles) each have a different purpose and each describe 1 certain thing
Article 1- Establishes the Legislative Branch
Article 2- Creates the Executive Branch
Article 3- Establishes a Supreme Court to head the Judicial Branch

6. 7 Articles Continued
Article 4- Describes the relationship between the states to one another and to the national government
Article 5- Tells how the Constitution can be changed
Article 6- Contains the Supremacy Clause. States that the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the country
Article 7- Describes ratification and declares that the Constitution would be considered ratified when 9 states had ratified it.

7. The Amendments
These are the changes that have been made to the Constitution in the nation’s history.
So that it can better meet the needs of the nation

8. 6 Major Principles
Popular Sovereignty- People are the source of government power
Federalism- Power is divided between the national and state governments
Separation of Powers- Each of the branches of government has their own powers

9. 6 major princples
Checks and Balances- Each branch of the government holds some power over the others
Judicial Review- Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress and the President unconstitutional
Limited Government- The Constitution limits the powers of the government by making explicit grants of authority

10. Section 2 LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Expressed Powers- Powers directly stated in the Constitution
Enumerated Powers
5 deal with economic legislation.
7 deal with defense
Other stuff includes naturalizing citizens, post offices, patents/copyrights, etc
Final is the ELASTIC CLAUSE- gives Congress the ability to stretch its powers to meet new situations to whatever is “necessary and proper”

11. Executive Branch President is the head of the branch
Powers of the President are very vague.

12. The Judicial Branch 2 different systems of courts
Federal Courts- Powers derive from the Constitution
Other is courts from all 50 states. Powers come from state constitutions and laws
Every court can only hear certain types of cases- this is known as jurisdiction. Depending on what type and who is involved.

13. Section 3- Amendment Process
2 ways to propose a new Amendment
2/3 vote by both houses of Congress
OR Natl. Convention called by Congress by request of 2/3 of states
After Amendment is proposed, there are 2 ways to ratify it
¾ of state legislatures to ratify
OR for each state to call a special ratifying convention..when ¾ of these conventions approve, its an amendment

14. The Bill of Rights- First 10 Amendments
1st - Freedom of religion, of speech, of the press, to assemble, and to petition
2nd - The Right of the People to keep and Bear Arms
3rd- No quartering of soldiers in private houses during peacetime.
4th-Interdiction of unreasonable Searches and seizures; warrants
5th- Indictments; Due process; Self-incrimination; Double jeopardy, and rules for Eminent Domain.
6th- Right to a fair and speedy public trial, Notice of accusations, Confronting one's accuser, Subpoenas, Right to counsel
7th- Right to trial by jury in civil cases

15. Bill of Rights Cont.
8th- No excessive bail & fines or cruel & unusual punishment
9th- Un-enumerated Rights
10- Limits the power of the Federal government