The Constitution Chapter Three

The Six Basic Principles Section One

The Constitution is divided into 7 sections, called articles The Constitution is divided into 7 sections, called articles. Each article deals with a different topic. The Preamble, or introduction, to the Constitution states its purpose. Article 1: Legislative Branch Article 2: Executive Branch Article 3: Judicial Branch Article 4: Relations among states Article 5: Amending the Constitution Article 6: Oaths of office, supremacy of national law Article 7: Ratifying the Constitution

Formal Amendment Section Two

The Constitution has lasted more than 225 years because it has changed with the times. Changes to the Constitution have come through either formal or informal amendments. A formal amendment is a change to the Constitution's written words. The Framers created four ways to make such changes.

Formal amendments are proposed at a national level and then ratified at the State level. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. Congress proposed all of them in 1789 because many people refused to support the Constitution unless the Federal Government protected these basic rights. The States approved these ten amendments in 1791. The other 17 amendments became part of the Constitution one at a time.

In all, the Constitution has been formally amended a total of 27 times.

Constitutional Change by Other Means Section Three

Types of Informal Changes to Constitution: Many informal changes to the Constitution have been made since 1787. Informal changes do not alter the Constitution's actual words. Types of Informal Changes to Constitution: 1. Basic Legislation: Congress passing laws. Ex: Voting Rights Act 1965 2. Executive Action: use of presidential power Ex: Presidents issuing executive orders 3. Court Decisions: SC ruling on cases. Ex: Roe v. Wade, 1973, “right to privacy” 4. Party Practices: actions of Political parties Ex: National conventions to nominate candidates 5. Customs: the usual ways people do things. Ex: Presidents before FDR served only 2 terms

Identify the Informal Method Although the Constitution states only that candidates for the Senate must be residents of the State from which they are elected, only candidates who have been residents for two years are allowed to run. Citing Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase, the President declares Puerto Rico the 51st state. Congress passes a law setting up special federal courts to handle cyber crimes. After a long legal battle, the Supreme Court declares that laws restricting carbon emissions should be left to the states, restricting Congress’ power to make environmental laws at the federal level. A Democratic convention is held to help identify possible appointees to the Supreme Court.

Popular sovereignty is the idea that the people are the source of all power held by the government.

Limited government means that the government must always obey the Constitution (constitutionalism)

Separation of powers establishes three separate parts, or branches, that share the government's power.

The Constitution uses a system of checks and balances to ensure no branch can become too powerful. (Ex: President can veto bills passed by Congress; Congress can override the veto with 2/3 vote)

Judicial review is the power of the courts to decide what the Constitution means.

Federalism means power is divided between the central (national) government and the States.