Unit 2 The Constitution Structure of the Constitution

Unit 2: The Constitution Structure of the Constitution

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution Notes: • The Constitution of the U. S. , is relatively brief compared to other developed nations. But this doesn’t mean that it is ineffective. It does a great job of outlining how government should function in a concise manner.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution (cont’d. ) Notes: • The Constitution is divided into 3 parts: 1. 2. 3. Preamble Articles Amendments

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Preamble Notes: • The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and outlines what our Founders wanted to accomplish in our new government. (Much like a thesis statement) • The objective of our American Government is: “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. ”

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Articles Notes: • There are 7 Articles in the Constitution giving different aspects of the government, their respective powers.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: Notes: The Articles (cont’d. ) • The Articles include: – – – – Article I: Legislative Branch Article II: Executive Branch Article III: Judicial Branch Article IV: States Rights and Responsibilities Article V: How to Amend the Constitution Article VI: The Supremacy Clause Article VII: Ratification

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Notes: • The Amendments are formal changes to the constitution. The 1 st 10 amendments are referred to as the Bill of Rights and they are: – 1 st Amendment: Freedom of speech, the press, and assembly. – 2 nd Amendment: The right to bear arms. – 3 rd Amendment: Government cannot force citizens to shelter soldiers. – 4 th Amendment: Protects against illegal search and seizure. – 5 th Amendment: Habeas Corpus, due process, protection from self incrimination, double jeopardy, and imminent domain.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d. ) 8. 7. 9. 10. 9. Notes: – 6 th Amendment: Right to a fair and speedy trial/representation. – 7 th Amendment: Right to trial by jury in federal courts. – 8 th Amendment: No cruel/unusual punishment. – 9 th Amendment: Covers any unlisted basic human rights. – 10 th Amendment: Any powers not specifically given to the federal government, are state powers.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d. ) Notes: • Other Amendments include: – 11 th Amendment: Establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. – 12 th Amendment: Establishes the Electoral College for presidential elections. – 13 th Amendment: Abolishes slavery. – 14 th Amendment: Gives equal protection under the law. – 15 th Amendment: Gives voting rights to all male citizens. – 16 th Amendment: Establishes the federal income tax system.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d. ) Notes: • 17 th Amendment: Establishes popular vote for senators. • 18 th Amendment: Establishes prohibition (ban on alcohol). • 19 th Amendment: Gives women the right to vote. • 20 th Amendment: Sets terms for the president and members of Congress. • 21 st Amendment: Ends prohibition.

Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution: Main Idea: The Amendments (cont’d. ) Notes: • 22 nd Amendment: Establishes term limits for the president. • 23 rd Amendment: Washington D. C. gains electoral votes. • 24 th Amendment: Ends poll taxes. • 25 th Amendment: Clarifies presidential succession. • 26 th Amendment: Lowers the voting age to 18. • 27 th Amendment: Legislators can give themselves raises in election years.