1. Chapter 3 The Constitution

2. Structure of the Constitution Compared to many other constitutions the U.S. Constitution is brief, around 7,000 words. Divided into 3 main components 1. Preamble 2. Articles 3. Amendments Photo from: wikipedia.com

3. Structure of the Constitution Preamble: introduction & 6 main purposes Seven Articles 1. Legislative Branch 2. Executive Branch 3. Supreme Court/Judicial Branch 4. Relationship of States to one another & to the Federal govt. 5. Process of Amending 6. Supremacy Clause 7. Ratification Process

4. Structure of the Constitution Amendments 1. Bill of Rights: first 10 Amendments passed as ‘package.’ 2. 11-12: Correct problems in the early republic. 3. 13-15: The Civil War Amendments 4. 16-19: Progressive Era Amendments 5. 20-27: Amendments of the 20 th Century

5. Major Principles The Constitution is based upon 6 basic principles: 1. Popular Sovereignty 2. Federalism 3. Separation of Powers 4. Checks & Balances 5. Judicial Review 6. Limited Government

6. What are the powers of Congress? Expressed: directly stated Enumerated: I, 8, 1-18 Power of the purse National defense Naturalizing citizens, establishing post offices, patents/copyrights, creating courts, governing DC Elastic Clause: “necessary and proper”

7. What are the powers of the President? “The executive power” Hire/fire, Foreign relations, Emergency actions & more Some specifics Commander-in-Chief, appoints heads of depts., pardons, treaties, appoints other officials, State of Union, calls sessions of Congress when needed, foreign relations, commissions military officers, ensures laws are “faithfully executed”

8. What are the powers of the Federal Courts? Shortest article Only Supreme Court is mentioned Congress establishes other “inferior” courts Fed courts generally have jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws Power gained through interpreting Const.

9. How do the 3 branches work together? The President Appoints judges Proposes bills and offers ideas in State of the Union Veto powers Congress Approves pres appts. Approves judges Write laws Impeachment Approves treaties The Courts Interpret laws Assesses whether executive is properly enforcing laws

10. Amending the Constitution