1. The Constitution

2. Introduction to the U.S. Constitution
Written in Philadelphia
Original intent was to revise the Articles of Confederation (first constitution set up by the 13 colonies)
James Madison was the “Father” of the Constitution
39 men signed it in 1787

3. Why was the Constitution Written?
Under the Articles of Confederation the individual states retained their own sovereignty, freedom and independence from each other and more importantly from a federal government. States were free to issue their own money, fix their own tariffs, and maintain their own militia. There was no president or federal judiciary. There was a need to stop the states from acting in their own self interests rather than in the interests of the states as a nation. The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the US Constitution, creating "a more perfect union."

4. The Preamble—The Introduction to the Constitution
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.

5. The Preamble—The Introduction to the Constitution
Two main Questions found in the Preamble:
1. Why they are writing it?
(to form a more perfect union)
2. What are the goals to be reached?
(establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty)

6. Constitution How the Constitution is divided:
1. Articles—the major divisions
2. Sections---divisions of an article
3. Clauses---divisions of a section

7. Article I---Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is called Congress, which makes laws for the US
Congress is divided into two houses-
a Senate and House of Representatives.

8. What do they do? House Of Representatives Senate
Each U.S. state is represented by two senators, regardless of population.
Senators serve staggered six-year terms.
located in the north wing of the Capitol building
Consenting to treaties and appointments as federal judges, cabinet secretaries, etc.
Each state receives representation in the House in proportion to its population but is entitled to at least one Representative. The House was granted its own exclusive powers: the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach officials, and elect the president in electoral college deadlocks.[
The House meets in the south wing of the United State Capitol Building in D.C..

9. Article 2---Executive Branch
This Branch is headed by the President. The job of the President is to carry out laws passed by Congress
Powers include directing government, commanding the Armed Forces, dealing with international powers, acting as chief law enforcement officer, and vetoing laws.  

10. Article 3---Judicial Branch
Headed by the Supreme Court. Its powers include interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and deciding cases involving states' rights. There are nine justices on the Supreme Court.

11. Supreme Court Judges 2009 & 2012 Back Row: Samuel Alito Jr
Supreme Court Judges 2009 & 2012 Back Row: Samuel Alito Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor Front Row:Anthony M. Kennedy, John Paul Stevens, John G. Roberts, Jr., Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas Elena Kagen stepped in for John Paul Stevens in 2010
Supreme Court

12. Constitution: Checks and Balances
                                                                          
By creating three branches of government, the delegates built a "check and balance" system into the Constitution. This system was built so that no one branch of our government could become too powerful.

13. Article 4---Relations Among the States
Article 4 guarantees that each state will recognize the laws of every other state.

14. Article 5---Amending the Constitution
This allows the Constitution to be changed.
Today there are 27 amendments
The newest amendment was added in 1992

15. Article 6---Supreme Law of the Land
This states that the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress are the supreme law of the United States

16. Article 7---Ratifying the Constitution
At the formation of our government, this article states that nine of the thirteen original colonies had to “ratify”, or approve the Constitution in order for it to go into effect.