1. The Six Basic Principles
Chapter 3 Section 1
The Six Basic Principles

2. Something to think about!!!!
The Declaration of Independence was the promise
It was the formation of the people (union)
The Constitution is the way we kept the promise
It was the formation of the government
It may be old - but it still stands as an important and active part of our history

3. Make up of the constitution
The “supreme Law of the Land”
Framework – 6 basic principles
Organization – Preamble and 7 Articles (or sections)

4. Six basic principles (words to know!!)
Popular sovereignty – all political power resides with the people
Limited government – government can only do things that the people allow
Separation of Powers – distribute power among the government (break it up like a Kit-Kat Bar!)
Checks and Balances – complex, ties the branches together, restrains other branches from ‘going overboard”
Judicial Review – interpret what Congress and President do are constitutional
Federalism – divides government power between states and national government

5. Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Executive Branch
This graphic is on page 68.
You need to be able to identify examples of each “check & balance”

6. Articles of the Constitution (pg 65)
Chapter 3, Section 1

7. Try it this way -
Larry Eats Junk Food After School Regularly

8. Articles of the Constitution
Chapter 3, Section 1

9. Breaking down the Articles
The first three Articles outline the basic structure of government
The rest of the Articles outline specific topics in more detail

10. Ch 3 Section 2
Formal Amendments

11. Formal Amendments
What are the different ways to formally amend, or change the wording of, the Constitution?
How many times has the Constitution been amended?
What is the Bill of Rights?

12. Amending the Constitution
Amendment— changes in the Constitution’s written words
Article V sets out:
two methods for the proposal
two methods for the ratification
creating four possible methods of formal amendment.

13. Formal Amendment Process

14. Amendments to the Constitution
The first 10 amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. They set out many of our basic freedoms.

15. Ch 3 Section 3
Informal Amendments

16. Informal Amendment
How has basic legislation changed the Constitution over time?
What powers do the executive branch and the courts have to amend the Constitution?
What role do party politics and custom have in shaping the Federal Government?

17. Informal Amendment Processes
Informal amendment - the process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word.
The informal amendment process can take place by:
(1) the passage of basic legislation by Congress;
(2) actions taken by the President;
(3) key decisions of the Supreme Court;
(4) the activities of political parties; and
(5) custom.

18. Executive Action and Court Decisions
Presidential actions have produced a number of important informal amendments, such as the use of the military under the power of commander in chief.
An executive agreement - a pact made by the President directly with the head of a foreign state.
Court Decisions
The nation’s courts, most importantly the United States Supreme Court, interpret and apply the Constitution in many cases they hear.