1. Overview: The Constitution

2. 3 Parts The Constitution is composed of 3 parts: 1)The Preamble or introduction 2)The main body or 7 Articles 3)Amendments or changes made to the Constitution after the Constitution was created.

3. Preamble: Part 1 The Preamble explains that the Constitution proposes to establish a more perfect government complete with justice, tranquility, and liberty.

4. The Body: Part 2 Article 1: Legislative Branch Article 2: Executive Branch Article 3: Judicial Branch Article 4: Relationship w/ states and national government

5. The Body: Part 2 Article 5: Amends the Constitution Article 6: Supreme law of the land Article 7: Ratification

6. The U.S. Constitution *Definition: Document that outlines the basis of the federal/national government. Where: Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania When: 1787

7. Famous People Involved with the Constitution 1. George Washington 2. James Madison 3. Alexander Hamilton 4. Ben Franklin

8. Why Was It Written??? The Constitution was written to replace the WEAK Articles of Confederation

9. The Constitution Sets Up: 1. A federal government plus state governments 2. Declares the U.S. a republic 3. Elects a President 4. Bicameral Congress (2 Houses) 5. System of Courts and Supreme Court

10. Amendments: Part 3 Amendments 1-10 or the Bill of Rights was added in 1791. The purpose: Preserve the rights of the people. Amendments 11-27 were later added.

11. Important Amendments *Amendment 13: Ended Slavery *Amendment 14: Citizenship to slaves *Amendment 15: Right to Vote *Amendment 19: Women right to vote

12. Legacy of the Constitution 1. Example for other countries 2.Stood the test of time 3. Preserves individual rights