1. The Supreme Law of the Land

2.  Constitution - begins with the Preamble, or introduction - Framers list six goals of our government “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, 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”

3.  Six Goals 1. To Form a More Perfect Union 2. To Establish Justice 3. To Insure Domestic Tranquility 4. To Provide for the Common Defense 5. To Promote General Welfare 6. To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our Posterity

4.  Following the Preamble… - Articles (7 Parts) - divided into subsections called clauses - Amendments

5.  Article 1: The Legislative Branch - National Legislature- called the Congress of the United States - House of Representative - Senate - most important power- make laws -other powers… - coin money, declare war, regulate trade

6.  A Bill (proposed law) - must gain a majority vote in both houses of Congress before the President approves it - President signs the bill- becomes a law - President may veto, or reject, the bill - Congress can still pass as long as they vote again with majority

7.  Article 2: The Executive Branch - President - 4 year term (re-elected) - power to execute- or carry out laws - head of armed forces (does not declare war) - make treaties (has to be approved by Senate) - nominate judges (Senate can reject) - appoint ambassadors to foreign countries (Senate must approve)

8.  Article 3: The Judicial Branch - National Court (Supreme) - settle disputes between states - President nominates/Senate approves - judges serve for life - final say in all cases involving Constitution  Article 4: The States - Each state must honor the laws of others

9.  Article 5: Amending the Constitution - instructions for making amendments - 3/4ths of states must approve an amendment  Article 6: The Supremacy of the Constitution - oath supporting Constitution as “supreme law of the land” - no state law may violate constitution - federal law takes priority  Article 7: Ratification -procedure for approval of Constitution

10.  Bill of Rights - First 10 Amendments (1791) - added in response to Anti-Federalists - seventeen other Amendments

11.  1. Federalism - division of power between the states and federal (national) government  2. Separation of Powers - executive, legislative, judicial  3. Checks and Balances -limiting powers of branches