1. United States Constitution

2. Structure (3 parts)
Preamble
Body (articles and clauses)
Amendments

3. Preamble Tells why the constitution was written 6 purposes
1. to form a more perfect union
(a better nation than before)
2. establish justice
(treated equally under by the law)
3. insure domestic tranquility
(peace within the country)

4. 5. promote the general welfare
4. provide for the common defense
(defend from other countries)
5. promote the general welfare
(look out for every citizen’s well being)
6. secure the blessings of liberty
(make sure everyone has freedom)
Preamble

5. Articles (7 divisions of the constitution)
The Constitution is divided up into
Articles (7)
Sections
Clauses

6. Article 1
legislative branch (congress)
Their job is to make laws

7. Article 2 Executive Branch President and Vice-President
Their job is to enforce the law

8. Article 3 Judicial Branch Supreme Court
Their job is to interpret the laws
Gives Congress power to create other federal courts

9. Article 4 Relationships Between two or more states
Between a state and the national government

10. Article 5 Amending the constitution
Explains how to change the constitution

11. Article 6 supremacy clause
The U.S. Constitution and laws and treaties passed by congress are the “supreme law of the land”
No state can make a law that goes against the national constitution
National government has the final say

12. Article 7
Ratification
The Constitution takes effect when 9 of the 13 states ratify (approve) it 

13. Amendments 3rd part of the constitution
There are currently 27 amendments

14. Principles of the Constitution
There are 6 ideas that are at the foundation of the constitution
Popular sovereignty
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Limited Government

15. 1. Popular Sovereignty Popular = ? Sovereignty = ?
rule by the people
(consent of the governed )

16. 2. Federalism
power is divided between the states and the national government
both levels have their own laws, officials, etc.
neither states or federal government have all of the power
Why?
Bad experience with the king (unitary)
The Articles of Confederation failed (confederation)

17. 3. Separation of Powers power is divided between the 3 branches
legislative, executive, and judicial

18. Federalism & Separation of Powers

19. 4. Checks and Balances each branch has some control over the others
 examples
laws passed by congress can be vetoed (rejected)by president
congress can override (cancel out) the veto
Courts can declare laws unconstitutional (illegal because they go against the constitution)
all elected officials can be removed from office by congress)

20. 5. Judicial Review
power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional
all courts have this power, but Supreme Court has the final say
can be reversed by future courts or
amendments to the constitution

21. Limited Government
limits on the actions of the government and its officials
Nobody is above the law
Specifically lists the powers it does and does not have
Principles video