The U.S. Constitution Fill in the blanks on your paper as we go along!
Parts of the Constitution The Preamble Article 1 Article 2 Article 3 Article 4 Article 5 Article 6 Article 7 The Amendments
The Preamble “We the people…” First paragraph of the document Purpose: States 6 goals for the Constitution
Known as “Congress” and is divided into two parts: Article I - Discusses the Legislative branch of our government Known as “Congress” and is divided into two parts: The House of Representatives & the Senate
House of Rep’s: Must be 25 years old Elected by the people for 2 years per term # of Rep’s depends on population of state
The leader of the House of Rep’s is known as the Speaker of the House & is chosen by members of the House of Rep’s. Based on the Virginia Plan by James Madison
Senate: Must be 30 years old Elected by the people for 6 years per term 2 for every state Based on the New Jersey Plan suggested by William Paterson
Other Stuff: Congress must meet at least once a year Members who do not show up for meetings are FINED! Explains how a bill becomes a law
Congress has the power to establish army & navy, create post offices, create courts, declare war , regulate commerce between states , etc…
- The “Elastic Clause” (AKA the Necessary and Proper Clause) states that Congress may pass any law that is necessary to carry out the previously stated powers.
Discusses the Executive Branch of our US gov’t Article II Discusses the Executive Branch of our US gov’t Requirements for President & Vice President Discusses how to “impeach” a President
Presidential Powers: In charge of military & national guard, has a cabinet to aid him, can pardon criminals, makes treaties w/ other nations, makes sure laws are carried out.
-Supreme Court: Highest court in the United States Article III - Discusses the Judicial Branch of our gov’t -Supreme Court: Highest court in the United States Judges on the supreme court & lower courts serve life terms (terms never end!)
Article III Other Stuff: Tells us which cases should be heard by Supreme Court & lower courts Guarantees trial by jury in criminal court
Article IV Discusses rights that states have Says states must recognize laws of all other states. Criminals who flee must be returned to state of crime Says power comes from the people, not a King or Queen
Article V - Discusses the Amendment Process 2 ways to amend Constitution Majority of members in both Senate & House of Rep’s must approve, then 3/4ths of states must approve OR just 3/4ths of states must approve (never used before!)
Article V Interesting! At no point does the President have any say-so in the Amendment process, although he is welcome to make his opinion clear to the public.
Article VI (“Supremacy Clause”) States that no other document in the nation is more powerful than the Constitution.
- Discusses the Ratification Process Article VII - Discusses the Ratification Process For the Constitution to be ratified (passed), nine of the thirteen states had to approve it.
Changes or additions to the Constitution The Amendments Changes or additions to the Constitution 27 amendments have been passed so far