The Constitution Structure Principles 3 1 WARNING Success

The Constitution: Structure & Principles 3 -1

WARNING! • Success of this type of government depends on an informed, participating citizenry. • An understanding of the Constitution is KEY to understanding the structure and daily function of American government. • Pg 774 in your textbook

I. Structure A. The U. S. Constitution is simple and brief B. The Founders left the details to each generation of government. C. The 7, 000 word Constitution in made up of three parts – – – The Preamble The Articles The Amendments

II. The Parts A. The Preamble: thesis statement of the Constitution: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ” http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ev 6 u. KDfe 7 mw&feature =fvw

B. The Articles – Divisions that cover a general topic. – Article I: Legislative Branch – Article II: Executive Branch – Article III: Judicial Branch – Article IV: Relationship among States and the Federal government – Article V: Constitutional Amendment process – Article VI: Supremacy Clause – Article VII: Ratification (9 of 13)

C. The Amendments – changes or modifications to the Constitution that help it adapt to a changing world. D. The First 10 Amendments make up the Bill of Rights. E. 27 Amendments in all

III. Major Principles A. Popular Sovereignty: “Rule by the People. ” The government’s authority comes from the consent of the governed. B. Federalism: Division of power among states and a national government. C. Separation of Powers: Each branch has its own powers, so no branch gets too powerful. D. Checks and Balances: Each branch has some power over the others (i. e. veto). See chart on page 66.

E. Judicial Review: Article III – “The judicial power shall extend to all cases … arising under the Constitution. ” The Federal Courts have the power to rule actions of any government unconstitutional (final say goes to the Supreme Court). See review of Marbury v Madison on p. 761 F. Limited Government: Specific limitations on what government can and cannot do.