Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published bySharlene White Modified over 8 years ago
1
CHAPTER 3 The Constitution
2
Section 1: Structure and Principles A. Structure of the Constitution Preamble Seven (7) Articles Twenty-seven (27) Amendments
3
Section 1 (cont’d) Six (6) Major Principles of the Constitution Popular sovereignty Federalism Separation of powers Checks and balances Judicial review Limited government
4
Section 2: The Three Branches A. Legislative Makes the laws Made up of Congress a 2 chamber body (bicameral) House of Representatives (435) & Senate (100)
5
Section 2 (cont’d) B. Executive Carries out the laws Made up of the President & Vice President Also contains the Cabinet (15) & Executive Office of the President (EOP)
6
Section 2 (cont’d) C. Judicial Interprets the laws Made up of the Supreme Court Lower federal courts established by Congress
7
Section 3: Amending The Constitution A. Proposing amendments Two methods 2/3 of both houses of Congress vote to propose OR 2/3 of the states petition to call a constitutional convention
8
Chapter 3 (cont’d) B. Ratifying Amendments Two methods ¾ of state legislatures approve -OR- ¾ of special state conventions approve
9
Section 3 (cont’d) C. Role of Congress in Amendment Process Congress decides which ratification method will be used and how long states have to vote ~ usually 7 year limit.
10
Section 3 (cont’d) D. Informal Changes to the Constitution Changes through laws that have passed & Supreme Court Cases Example: taxes, citizenship Practice & Custom Example: term limits, succession, political parties
11
Section 4: The Amendments A. Bill of Rights The 1 st ten amendments Guarantee personal freedoms Examples: free press, bear arms, trials
12
Section 4 (cont’d) B. Civil War Amendments 13 th, 14 th, 15 th amendments Guarantee citizenship, end slavery
13
Section 4 (cont’d) The later amendments Amendments 16 – 27 Reflect changes in American society over time Example: women voting, 18 year old vote, term limits
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.