The Constitution Chapter 3 Federalist Papers No 51

The Constitution Chapter 3

Federalist Papers, No. 51 – Primary Source

I. Structure and Principles • Oldest written constitution still in effect today • Has lasted 222 years due to the flexibility and adaptability of the document • Flexible due to its very nature, which is brief & ambiguous

A. The Preamble • Preamble – Introduction to the Constitution • Details six goals of the Constitution • 1) “To form a more perfect Union” – Wanted to create a better government than the Articles of Confederation • 2) “To establish justice”

• 3) “To insure domestic tranquility” – Preservations of peace within the nation • 4) “Provide a common defense” – Protect citizens against foreign enemies • 5) “To promote the general welfare” – All individuals given equal opportunity for success • 6) “To secure the blessings of liberty” – Protection of individual freedoms

B. Articles and Amendments • Articles – Constitution contains seven divisions or parts • Supremacy Clause – The Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and treaties of the U. S. are the supreme laws of the land • Amendments- Provide changes to the original document

C. Major Principles • Popular Sovereignty – Rule by the people • Federalism – Governmental power is divided between the federal and state government – Helps limited the federal government’s power

• Separation of Powers – Division of power among the three branches of government • Ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful • Each branch is given powers that can’t be assumed by another branch

http: //www. annenbergclassroom. org/Asset. LAIC. aspx? id=1421

• Judicial Review – Power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional • Marbury v. Madison (1803) – Gave the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional