1. Chapter 4 The United States Constitution
Government Alive!
Chapter 4
The United States Constitution

2. Introduction Objectives:
Gain insight into the 3 guiding principles found in the document
Identify the titles of each Article of the Constitution
Outline the 3 types of power established by the constitution
Evaluate court cases that helped shape this document
Analyze the information within the Constitution
Interpret the ways which the Constitution has been argued

3. 4.2 Elements of the Constitution
The Articles Establish Our National Government
Amendments: Formal Changes to the Constutution
The Preamble Sets the Purpose

4. Elements of the Constitution continued…
The Preamble
Various goals:
Form a more perfect union.
Establish justice.
Ensure domestic tranquility.
Provide for the common defense.
Promote the general welfare.
Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

5. Elements of the Constitution continued…
The Articles
Article I Establishes the Legislative Branch
Article II Establishes the Executive Branch
Article III Establishes the Judicial Branch
Article IV Concerns Relations among the States
Article V Describes the Amendment Process
Article VI Makes the Constitution the Supreme Law of the Land
Article VII Explains the Ratification Process

6. 4.3 Amending the Constitution
How a proposed amendment proceeds after a 2/3 vote in each house of Congress.
~or~
A national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures.
The Congress
The legislatures of 3/4 of all states
Special state conventions in 3/4 of all the states
National Convention

7. Guiding Principles of the Constitution
Establishing a Limited Government
Popular Sovereignty
The Rule of Law
Separation of Powers—Checks and Balances
Federalism
An Independent Judiciary
Individual Rights

8. Enumerated or Implied Powers
Enumerated powers are those that are specifically listed in the Constitution.
Implied Powers are those that the legislature can claim as part of its lawmaking responsibility
“Elastic Clause”—stretched to cover a variety of issues and circumstances

9. Strict v. Loose construction
Strict construction of the Constitution
Literal reading of the Constitution
Holds that the original language of the Constitution and the intent of the framers must serve as primary guides to judicial interpretation
Loose construction of the Constitution
Flexible reading of the Constitution
Holds that modern values and social consequences must be taken into account in interpreting the Constitution.