1. U.S. Constitution

2. U.S. Constitution * Supreme law of the land * Final Authority

3. Enlightment John Locke: government based on contract b/w people and ruler. Montesquieu: power of government separated and balanced, powers are clearly defined.

4. 3 Parts of Constitution: a. Preamble b. Articles (7 total) c
3 Parts of Constitution: a. Preamble b. Articles (7 total) c. Amendments (27 total)

5. 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.

6. A. Preamble: Goals of the. Constitution 1. More Perfect Union: states
A. Preamble: Goals of the Constitution 1. More Perfect Union: states operate as 1 country. 2. Establish Justice: Nat’l court system to protect the people.

7. 3. Insure Domestic. Tranquility: strong national
3. Insure Domestic Tranquility: strong national government to keep peace. 4. Provide for the common defense: maintain the armed forces

8. 5. Promote the General Welfare: Use law/resources to protect and keep from Hunger/Poverty. 6. Secure Blessings of Liberty: guarantee no American basic rights can be taken away.

9. B. Articles Article 1: Legislative Branch Article 2: Executive Branch Article 3: Judicial Branch Article 7: Ratification of Constitution

10. C. Amendments: (changes to Constitution) * 1st 10: Bill of Rights (1791) * Protect basic liberties and rights. * other 17 explain the rights of Americans.

11. Amendments 1. Personal Rights & Freedoms 2. Right to Bear Arms
3. Quartering of Troops
4. Search & Seizure
5. Rights of Accused
6. Right to Speedy Trial
7. Right to Trial by Jury
8. No Cruel & Unusual Punishment
9. Powers Reserved to People
10. Powers Reserved to States
11. Limits Suits Between States
12. Election of President & Vice-President
13. Abolition of Slavery
14. Former Slaves’ Rights
15. Right to Vote
16. Allows Income Tax
17. Election of Senators
18. Prohibition
19. Suffrage
20. Presidential Term
21. Repeal of Prohibition
22. Term Limits
23. District of Columbia
24. Abolition of Poll Tax
25. Outlines Presidential Succession
26. Lowers Voting Age
27. Limits Congressional Salaries

12. Living Constitution * can be altered or changed to meet the needs of society. (amend)

13. Underlying Principles
Underlying Principles * Popular Sovereignty: “authority given to the people” * Rule of Law: no person is above the law * Federalism: powers divided between state and national government.

14. Concurrent Powers Regulate Trade w/in the State Enforce Laws
Establish Courts
Collect Taxes
Borrow Money
Provide for
General Welfare
Establish Banks
Regulate Trade w/in the State
Establish Local Government
Conduct Elections
Establish Public School Systems
Make marriage laws
Create Corporation laws
Provide public safety
Regulate Trade
Coin Money
Provide an Army & Navy
Conduct Foreign Affairs
Establish Post Office
Declare War
Set standard weights and measures
Admit new states