Chapter 3 The Constitution Introduction to the Constitution

Chapter 3 The Constitution

Introduction to the Constitution – The Constitution sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built. – The Constitution is organized into eight sections: the Preamble and seven articles. The original document is followed by 27 amendments.

Layout Section Preamble Article 1 Article 2 Article 3 Article 4 Article 5 Article 6 Article 7 Subject States the purpose Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Relations among States Amending Constitution National debts, supremacy of national law, oath of office Ratifying Constitution

Preamble 6 Basic Principles of Government • Popular sovereignty • Limited government • Separation of powers • Checks and balances • Judicial review - power to determine constitutionality • Federalism

How to Amend • The Constitution provides for its own amendment— that is, for changes in its written words. • Two methods for the proposal • Two methods for the ratification • Makes four possible methods of formal amendment.

Amendment to Constitution

Amendments

Informal Amendments The process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word.

Ways to Informally Amend the Constitution • (1) the passage of basic legislation by Congress – Ex) Stimulus Bill • (2) actions taken by the President – Ex) Sending troops for Peacekeeping missions like in Black Hawk Down – Executive Agreement

Way to Informally Amend (con. ) • (3) key decisions of the Supreme Court – Ex) Roe v. Wade making abortion legal • (4) the activities of political parties – Ex) Nominating process like Hillary vs. Obama • (5) custom – Ex) President only for two terms – Ex) Cabinet positions – Ex) Senatorial Courtesy