1. The Structure of the US Constitution
The greatest document to govern any nation

2. Article I: the Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch writes the laws.
The duties of the offices of the US House and Senate are detailed.
The most noteworthy part: Section 8, which lists the powers of the legislature
Power to tax
Commerce Clause
More in Chapter 8

3. Necessary and Proper Clause
Article I Section 8
Gives Congress the authority to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the enumerated powers.
Resulted in more power for Congress/national government.

4. Article II: The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch enforces the laws.
The qualifications, election and powers of the office of the president are detailed.
There has been an increase in the power of the president through time, a trend that bothers some scholars.

5. Article III: the Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch interprets the law based on judicial review.
The basis of the Judicial Branch’s power is the US Constitution. Rulings are issued based on each court’s interpretation of the forefathers’ intentions.
The key case: Marbury v. Madison

6. Article IV: Relations Among the States
In order for the Constitution to work, the states must get along and work together (unlike under the Articles of Confederation)
Full faith and credit clause
respect the "public acts, records, and judicial proceedings" of other states.
Privileges and immunities clause
prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner, with regard to basic civil rights.
right to travel

7. Article V: Amending the Constitution
There are four methods to amend the Constitution:
Two methods to propose:
2/3 of each house of the legislature proposes an amendment OR
A national convention votes to propose an amendment
Two methods to ratify:
3/4 of state legislatures vote to ratify the amendment OR
3/4 of state conventions vote to ratify the amendment

8. Article VI: National Supremacy Clause
In short, the Constitution is the highest law in the land.
If a national law conflicts with a state law, the national law takes precedence.
Has led to a growth of the national government’s power.

9. Article VII: Ratification
The process of making the Constitution the official governing document.
From that point on, when a state met the requirements to transition from territory to state, the ratification of the US Constitution was the last step.

10. Checks and Balances: Legislative Branch
How does the Legislative Branch check the other two branches?
Checks on the Executive:
can override a veto
confirms presidential appointments
ratifies treaties
can impeach and remove from office
Checks on the Judicial Branch:
creates/restructures the courts

11. Checks and Balances: Executive Branch
How does the Executive Branch check the other two branches?
Checks on the Legislature:
can veto a bill passed by Congress
Checks on the Judicial Branch:
nominates judges to the federal courts
grants pardons

12. Checks and Balances: Judicial Branch
How does the Judicial Branch check the other two branches?
Checks on the Legislature:
use of judicial review of acts passed by Congress
Checks on the Executive Branch:
use of judicial review of actions taken by the Executive Branch
can issue injunctions