1. The Constitution
Chapter 3, Section 1

2. The Constitution: There are 3 main parts to the constitution
The preamble
The articles
The amendments

3. The Preamble: States the purpose of the document
Lists 6 goals/principles they were trying to achieve
Popular sovereignty
Federalism
Separation of powers
Checks & balances
Judicial review
Limited government

4. Major Principles of the Constitution:
Popular Sovereignty
Rule by the people
Federalism
Power is shared between the states and the federal government
Separation of Powers
Each branch has its own responsibilities (pass laws, execute laws, etc.)

5. Major Principles of the Constitution:
Checks & Balances
While power is divided between the branches, each branch exercises some control over the other branches
presidential veto
senate affirms supreme court nominations
congress can impeach president
Judicial Review
Courts can declare laws passed by states and local governments unconstitutional
Limited Government
The powers of government are limited, the people or the states retain a lot of power

6. The Preamble:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.

7. The Articles: Article 1 Article 1: The Legislative Branch
Spells out the workings of congress
Bicameral (House of Representatives & Senate)
Sets up term limits
Establishes legislative powers

8. The Articles: Article 2 Article 2: The Executive Branch
Describes the duties, responsibilities and qualifications for president
Sets up term limits
Establishes the executive’s power

9. The Articles: Article 3 Article 3: Judicial Branch
Describes the court system, including the Supreme Court
Determines which cases the Supreme Court can hear first (original jurisdiction
Establishes the right to trial by jury
Defines crime of treason

10. The Articles: Articles 4 & 5
Article 4: The relationship of the states to one another
Full faith & credit clause (all states must respect the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of other states)
Article 5: The amendment process
Establishes the 3 main ways in which an amendment can be made
Approved by 2/3 of both houses of congress & then sent for states’ approval
2/3 of state legislators petition congress for a constitutional convention to consider amendments (which are then sent for states’ approval)
Congress may require ratification by special convention

11. The Articles: Articles 6 & 7
Article 6: Supremacy clause
The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land
Article 7: Ratification
Describes the requirements for ratification of the constitution