Structure of the Constitution Preamble Meaning The preamble

Structure of the Constitution

Preamble: Meaning ● The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. ● It outlines the general goals of the framers: to create a just government, insure peace, provide an adequate national defense, and promote a healthy, free nation.

The United States Constitution has three parts. A Preamble 7 Articles 27 Amendments

The Seven Articles are the plan of government for the United States.

Article I sets up the Legislative Branch of government. It creates the U. S. Congress.

Only Congress can make federal laws for the United States.

Article II sets up the Executive Branch of Government to provide leadership for the country.

The President is in charge of the Executive Branch.

Article III sets up the Judicial Branch of Government. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.

Article IV tells how the states relate to each other and to the federal government. Federal Government It also tells how new states may be admitted to the Union.

Article V tells how the Constitution may be amended (changed). Only men can vote. Men and women can vote.

Article VI says the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Article VI requires public officials to take an oath to support the Constitution. It also authorizes Congress to borrow money (the national debt).

Article VII says the Constitution will be the law if nine states ratify (accept) it.

All thirteen states ratified the Constitution between 1787 and 1790!

Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, and Rhode Island was the last.

Ratification of the Constitution ● Each state would hold a special convention in order to vote on constitution ● State delegates elected by people ● Ratification of Constitution required the approval of 9 states. ● Purpose: 1) Bypass state legislatures who would oppose it since Constitution reduced power of states 2) Gave framers time to campaign for delegates in their states who would support ratification

Exit Ticket How is the idea of “limited government” shown in the way the Constitution is organized? Why do you think the Framers wanted a system of limited government.