2. Preamble Goals GOALMEANING "In order to form a more perfect union” Create a nation in which states work together. "Establish justice" Setting up a court system that is fair to all regardless of race, religion, gender, or country of origin. "Insure domestic tranquility"Keep peace within the country.

3. Preamble Goals GOALMEANING "Provide for the common defense" Safeguard the country against attacks "Promote the general welfare" Contributing to the happiness and well-being of all the people "Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity" Make sure future citizens remain the free and extending freedom to more and more Americans.

4. The US Constitution Articles and Principles The main body of the Constitution is short and divided into seven sections called… ARTICLES Together they establish the framework for our government.

5. Articles I, II, and III Describe the three branches of the national government. It establishes the powers and limits of the – Article I: legislative branch. (Congress) – Article II: executive branch. (President) – Article III: judicial branch. (Courts)

6. Article IV Deals with relations between the states. Requires states to honor one another’s laws and legal decisions.

7. Article V Provides for a process to amend the Constitution. Proposes two methods: – By two thirds of the Congress and ratified by legislatures in ¾ of the states. OR – By a national convention called by Congress at the request of two thirds of the state legislatures and ratified at conventions by ¾ of the states.

8. Article VI States the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Purpose: the states can not make laws that violate the US Constitution.

9. Article VII Sets up a procedure for the states to RATIFY the Constitution. (Approval process) Ratification conventions must be held. 9 out of 13 states had to approve or ratify.

10. Seven Principles Popular SovereigntyLimited Government The government gets its authority from the people. The people have the right to alter or abolish their government. The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it. This helps us to avoid tyranny.

11. Seven Principles Separation of PowersChecks and Balances Establishes three branches of government. Legislative branch: Makes the laws. Executive branch: Carries out the laws. Judicial branch: Interprets the laws. Each branch of government has the power to check or limit the actions of the other two. Safeguards against abuse of power.

12. Seven Principles FederalismRepublicanismIndividual Rights Division of Power between the federal government and the states. Establishes their powers for each level of government. Citizens elect officials to be their voice in the government. Representatives must keep the opinions of the people in their decisions The Constitution protects rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to trial by jury.