1. The Constitution: A Blueprint for Government
Civics
Chapter 3, Section 1

2. Main idea
Drawing lessons from history, the Framers wrote a constitution that divided, limited, and balanced power among the three branches of government

3. Goals of the Constitution
1. form a more perfect union 2. establish justice 3. ensure domestic tranquility 4. provide for the common defense 5. promote the general welfare 6. secure the blessings of liberty

4. The Constitution is the blueprint
3 main parts: the Preamble, the articles, and the amendments
Preamble: or introduction, states broad goals for government
Articles (7): created structure of gov’t
Amendments: 27 changes to the Constitution since its inception

5. Principles of Government in the Constitution
1. popular sovereignty 2. limited government 3. separation of powers 4. checks and balances 5. judicial review 6. federalism