Bell Ringer Complete the Preamble in your own words! Try to remember what the goals mean first then turn to your notes from last week if you cannot remember. 

“The Structure of the Constitution”

“Supreme Law of the Land”

“Supreme Law of the Land” The “U.S. Constitution” is the highest authority in the nation. All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document.

Three Parts of the Constitution Preamble - Introduction or Goals of the Constitution The 7 Articles - (LEJ RASR): Body of the Constitution The 27 Amendments - Changes to the Constitution

The “Articles” Lists the functions and purposes of the government

Article I – “L” Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (U.S. Congress). It creates the “Senate” and the “House of Representatives”. (100 + 435 = 535) Congress has the task of “making laws”. Only Congress can declare war or coin money.

Article II – “E” Article II establishes the Executive Branch which is made up of the (U.S. President & Vice President). It establishes procedures for electing the President and Vice President The President’s cabinet (not in the Constitution) The Executive Branch has the task of “carrying out or enforcing the laws”.

Article III – “J” Article III establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and other lower courts). Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws (determine if the laws are constitutional!) 9 Supreme Court Justices!!!!

Article IV – “R” Article IV establishes the Relations of the states and the Rights of citizens. It establishes “good will” among states. Promises U.S. protection of the states. Sets up rights of citizens from state to state

Article V – “A” Article V discusses the Amending the Constitution To amend (or change) allows the Constitution to change with the times. We currently have 27 Amendments The first 10 make up the “Bill of Rights.”

Article VI -- “S” Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest authority in the land. (Supremacy Clause) If any law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution wins.

Article VII – “R” Article VII discusses the “ratification” of the Constitution. To Ratify means to Approve It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect. New Hampshire was the 9th – June 21, 1788