1. Chapter 3
Sections 3 and 4

2. Amending and Interpreting the Constitution
Changes to the Constitution is called an amendment
Only 27 have been ratified

4. Formal and Informal Amendments
Amending is made up of two steps
Proposal
Ratification
Act of Congress (2/3 vote of members from both houses of congress)
National State Convention (called by 2/3 of state legislature)
Once amendment has been proposed ¾ of states must ratify
(Informal)
If a situation came up and the Constitution did not prepare of it can make changes

5. Interpreting
Writers of the Constitution knew the world would change and they could not predict what would happen
Article I
Powers of Congress- make all laws which shall be necessary and proper clause
Implied Powers-Congress can use powers not directly listed in the Constitution
Supreme Court
President interpret by taking actions not directed by it (bills/budgets)

6. Organization of the U.S. Constitution
Major Part
Purpose
Preamble
Introduction
2. Articles
Describe the structure and functions of the government
3. Amendments
Additions/Changes to the Constitution

7. Read Page 92 L4- Principles in the Constitution
Break into 5 groups- Share topic with other groups