1. Anatomy of the US Constitution
Unit 2 Day 1
Anatomy of the US Constitution
Theme: Authority: the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Each of the following Articles will ask questions - use your digital textbook or the internet in general to help answer the questions for your notes.

2. What does our Constitution represent
What does our Constitution represent?
 - Our system of government; Basic beliefs & ideals
US Constitution Breakdown:
3 Main Components
1. Preamble – Why the Constitution was written
2. Articles (7) – Explains how the government works
3. Amendments (27) – changes made to the Constitution

3. Preamble = Purposes of Government
To form a more perfect union
Establish Justice
Ensure domestic tranquility
Provide for common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure liberty
Which purpose from above is most important to you & why?

4. Article I: The Legislative Branch - make the laws.
- composed of the Senate & House of Representatives.
How are these members elected to each house above? How long is one term for both and how many total terms can they both serve?
What are the requirements to become a member of each house?

5. Article II: The Executive Branch - enforce the laws.
- composed of the President, Vice President & cabinet positions
Which of the two jobs above are elected & which one is appointed?
List the requirements for a person who wants to become President of the US.

6. Article III: The Judicial Branch - interpret the laws.
- composed of the US Court system (primarily the US Supreme Court)
How are US Supreme Court Justices appointed and who approves?
How long is a term for the a US SC Justice?
Why doesn’t the US SC hear every case appealed to them?

7. Article IV: Full Faith & Credit Clause - relation among the states.
- Requires that states give citizens from other states the same rights as its own; How to admit new states; National government will protect states.
Why should a US citizen be treated the same in all 50 states?
List a few reasons why the US would admit a new state to the union (country).

8. Article V: Amendment Process - Explains the different processes for amending (changing) the Constitution
Explain why the US Constitution would need to be amended & list an example.
Would a Federal change to the US Constitution affect a State Constitution? Why or why not?

9. Article VI: National Supremacy - Contains the “supremacy clause” which establishes that the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, & treaties are the “Supreme Law of the Land”
Where is it written that the US Supreme Court has the power to interpret the US Constitution?
In your opinion, should any other elected or appointed person/body be able to do so? Why or why not?

10. Article VII: Ratification - Addresses approval of the Constitution & that it would take effect after 9 states ratified, or approved it.
Amendments - they're 27 amendments w/i the US Constitution. Each amendment is a Federal law that must be followed.
- Example: Amendment 6: Speedy, public trial by jury in a criminal case.
This means all citizens are guaranteed the right to a timely trial by your peers and allowed free council if you cannot afford a lawyer.

11. Read pages in Ch. 3 then
create this graphic organizer. In each box list key info you feel is vital to know about each branch of govt. US
Constitution
Legislative
Executive
Judicial