1. The US Constitution 1 1 1 1

2. Overview Origins of the Constitution
Constitutional Principles and Provisions
Ways to Amend the US Constitution
Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

3. Origins of the Constitution
Framework of America’s system of government
Divides power between the states and the federal government (purposes and duties)
Creates a government that puts the power in the hands of the people
Difference between the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
When was the U.S. Constitution written and signed? 4 4 3 4

4. Constitutional Principles and Provisions
Federalism
Enumerated Powers
Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances 5 5 4 5

5. Ways to Amend the US Constitution
The Proposal Process
By the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate
By a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures
None of the 27 amendments to the Constitution have been proposed by constitutional convention 6 6 5 6

6. Ways to Amend the US Constitution
The Ratification Process
A proposed amendment becomes must be ratified by three-fourths of the States (38 of 50 States)
May also be ratified by a special conventions called by three-fourths of the States.
21st Amendment is the only one adopted in this manner.
However, Congress has the power to decide which method of ratification will be used 6 6 5 6

7. Elements of the US Constitution
Preamble
Articles
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution: The Bill of Rights
Other Amendments 11 11 6 11

8. 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 defense, 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 12 12 7 12

9. Articles I-IV Articles I-III: Divides Government into Three Branches
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Article IV: States Rights
Powers
Limitations 11 11 6 11

10. Articles V-VII Articles V: Amending the US Constitution
Proposing an amendment
The ratification process
Articles VI: Federal Powers
Article VII: Ratification of the US Constitution 11 11 6 11

11. Bill of Rights
First ten amendments to the Constitution 11 11 6 11

12. Other Amendments 11 11 11 6

13. Summary Origins of the Constitution
Constitutional Principles and Provisions
Ways to Amend the US Constitution
Elements of the Constitution and its amendments 3 3 2 3

14. QUESTIONS? 1 1 1 1