The Constitution The Preamble Lists the main principles

The Constitution

The Preamble • Lists the main principles 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”

The Articles I. Outlines the structure and the powers of the Legislative Branch. (Congress) II. Outlines the structure and the powers of the Executive Branch. (President) III. Outlines the structure and the powers of the Judicial Branch. (Courts)

IV. Full Faith and Credit Clause V. Outlines the Amendment Process VI. Supremacy Clause VII. Outlines Ratifacation

The Amendments

Amendment 1 • Freedoms Amendment • Freedom within limits 1. Slander- false speech damaging a person’s reputation. 2. Libel- applies to written or published statements. 3. Cannot endanger people.

Amendment 2 • Right to Bear Arms Amendment 3 • Quartering of Soldiers Amendment 4 • Illegal Search and Seizures

Amendment 5 • Rights of the Accused Amendment 6 • Right to a fair and speedy trial. Amendment 7 • Civil Suits (jury provided for cases over $20)

Amendment 8 • Bail and Punishment Amendment 9 • Powers reserved to the people. Amendment 10 • Powers reserved to the states.

Amendment 11 • Suits Against States Amendment 12 • Electoral College Amendment 13 • Abolition of Slaves

Amendment 14 • Rights of Citizens (defines citizenship) Amendment 15 • Allowed former male slaves the right to vote. Amendment 16 • Income Tax

Amendment 17 • Direct election of senators. Amendment 18 • Prohibition Amendment 19 • Women’s Suffrage

Amendment 20 • “Lame Duck” Amendment- (moved inauguration day from March 4 to January 20). Amendment 21 • Repealed 18 th Amendment 22 • Limit on Presidential terms.

Amendment 23 • Electors for D. C. Amendment 24 • Abolition of the poll tax. Amendment 25 • Presidential Succession

Amendment 26 • Lowered the voting age to 18. Amendment 27 • Restraint on Congressional Salaries