1. Structure of the Constitution
Part 2 – pg 128

2. Pg 128
The Constitution has 3 parts: the preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments

3. Goals of the Preamble Pg 128
To form a more perfect union -All states should work together as a unified nation
To establish justice – Everyone should be treated equally and fairly under the law
To ensure domestic tranquility – The gov’t has the responsibility to ensure peace and order at home
To provide for the common defense – The gov’t has the responsibility to protect its citizens against foreign attacks
To promote the general welfare – The gov’t has the responsibility to promote the well-being of all citizens
To secure the blessings of liberty – The gov’t should value and protect the rights of its citizens

4. Articles Pg 128 Constitution has seven sections or articles
First 3 articles describe the 3 branches of gov’t; their power and limits
Article 4: relations between states
States need to honor other’s states laws
Covers how new states are accepted
Article 5: how to amend Constitution
Article 6: Constitution is supreme law of land
States can’t make laws that violate the Constitution
Article 7: how to ratify the Constiutiton

5. Amendments Amendments are formal changes made to the Constitution
Pg 129
Amendments
Amendments are formal changes made to the Constitution
Some added ideas, others repealed (canceled) ideas
Only 27 changes have been made in the last 200 years