1. The Structure of the U.S. Constitution

2. The Preamble An introduction to the document
Explains why the Constitution was written
Says the government’s power comes from the people
States the purposes of government

3. Article I – Legislative Branch
Establishes a bicameral legislature, which is responsible for making the nation’s laws
Discusses the powers and limitations of Congress

4. Article I – Legislative Branch
Powers
Collect taxes
Declare war
Regulate trade
Limitations
Cannot tax exports

5. Article II – Executive Branch
Responsible for carrying out or enforcing the laws
Discusses the roles and powers of the president
Commanding the armed forces
Appointing certain government officials

6. Article III – Judicial Branch
Calls for “one Supreme Court”
Responsible for interpreting the laws
Lists the powers of the federal courts and describes the kinds of cases they may hear

7. Article IV – Relations Among the States
Explains the relationship of the states to one another and to the national government
Says that all states must respect each other’s laws, court decisions, and records
Guarantees the states will be protected by the national government

8. Article V – Amending the Constitution
Explains how the Constitution can be changed
Process involves proposal and ratification

9. Article VI – National Supremacy
Says the U.S. Constitution and the laws passed by Congress are “the supreme law of the land”
Federal laws over state laws

10. Article VII – Ratification Process
Says the document would take effect when it was ratified by nine states

11. Amendments There are a total of 27 amendments
The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights
Added in 1791
These amendments protect individual freedoms