Section 2: Understanding the Constitution The Preamble Articles Amendments

Three Main Parts of the Constitution The Preamble Discusses the purpose of the Constitution. Articles Discuss how our government is set up. Amendments Items that are added to the Constitution.

The Articles

Article 1 Legislative Branch. Known as Congress. Two houses or parts (Bicameral) The Senate There are 100 Senators. House of Representatives There are 435 members of the House. Can make laws, fix standards of weight and measures, coin money, levy and collect taxes, approve Presidential appoints, declare war, approve treaties.

Article 2 Executive Branch. President is… Chief Executive of the Executive Branch Commander in Chief of military forces Can sign bills into law, veto bills, enforce laws, and appoint government officials.

Article 3 Judicial Branch with a Supreme Court Ability to establish other lower courts. Established “Judicial Review.” The Supreme Court interprets the laws. The President appoints Justices to the Supreme Court. Congress has to approve the appointments.

Article 4 Known as “Full Faith and Credit.” The legal documents of each state are recognized in every other state. Ex. Your driver’s license is good in any state in the country.

Article 5 How to amend the Constitution. Amendments are proposed in Congress. Both houses must agree to send the amendment to the states for their approval/ratification. ¾ of the states must agree before the amendment can become part of the Constitution. States can approve or ratify the amendment through meetings of the State Legislatures.

Article 6 “The Necessary and Proper Clause.” “Supremacy Clause” Congress can make any laws necessary for the “public good.” “Supremacy Clause” Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.”

Article 7 How the original Constitution would be ratified. 9 of the 13 states had to approve

The Amendments

Amendments A change to the Constitution

The Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. I. Provides freedom of religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly II. Asserts the need for a militia and protects the right to keep and bears arms III. Prevents soldiers from taking over private homes during peacetime or war unless authorized to do so by law IV. Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures V. Protects the rights of accused persons

VI. Provides the right to a speedy, fair trial VII. Provides the right to a trial by jury in civil suits VIII. Prohibits excessive bail and fines, prohibits cruel and unusual punishment IX. Protects people’s rights that are not specifically listed in the constitution. X. Grants to the states and to the people powers that are not specifically listed in the constitution