1. Chapter 3: The Constitution
Lesson 3: The Structures of the Constitution

2. The Parts of the Constitution
The main purpose of the United States Constitution is to provide a plan of government
It is also the highest authority in the nation
The powers of the three branches of government comes from it
The flexibility of the Constitution has proved a strength over the years

3. The Preamble The preamble: the opening section of the Constitution
Expresses that the power of the government comes from the people

4. The Seven Articles
Articles: one of several main parts of the Constitution
The first three articles state the powers and responsibilities of each branch of government
Article I: The Legislative Branch
Lawmaking branch of the government
Article II: The Executive Branch
The branch of government that carries out laws
Article III: The Judicial Branch
The branch of government that interprets laws

5. The Seven Articles
Article IV: explains the relationship between the states and the national government
Article V: describes when and how the Constitution can be changed
Article VI: declares the Constitution the ”supreme Law of the Land”
Article VII: describes how the Constitution was to be ratified

6. The Amendments Amendments: any change in the Constitution
27 total amendments in the Constitution
The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights

7. Amending the Constitution
Amending the Constitution is a difficult but not impossible process
Step 1 : Amendment proposed by:
A 2/3rd vote of both houses of Congress OR
A constitutional convention called by Congress on petition of 2/3rds of the 50 states
Step 2: Amendment ratified by:
3/4th of the 50 state legislatures
3/4ths of special constitutional conventions called by 50 states
New Amendment to the Constitution

8. Interpreting the Constitution
Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” to carry out its duties
This is called the necessary and proper clause and allows Congress to use powers not directly listed in the Constitution
These powers are known as implied powers

9. Interpreting the Constitution
The final authority for interpreting the Constitution is the Supreme Court
Over the years, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution in different was
With each new interpretation by the Court, our government changes

10. Interpreting the Constitution
Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that the president should propose bills or budgets to Congress
Each year since George Washington presidents have done this
Constitution does not mention political parties; however, they have become an important part of the political system