Parts of the Constitution

The Preamble An introduction to the Constitution “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” An introduction to the Constitution Lists the 6 purposes of government

Article I: The Legislative Branch (Lawyers) Sets up a bicameral legislature (two-house chamber) The House of Representatives- based on population, 435 members, each state has at least one, census done every ten years Senate- two per state Lists the Powers of Congress called enumerated or expressed powers (declare war, coin money, regulate commerce) Congress is given the right to make laws “necessary and proper” to the maintenance of the country Lists powers that are TOTALLY DENIED (ex post facto laws, bill of attainder, and suspension of writ of habeas corpus)

Article II: The Executive Branch (Eat) Defines the powers of the President Powers include Commander in Chief, reporting to Congress once a year on “the state of the union”, the authority to make treaties and appoint officials with the consent of the Senate The President must also “take care that the laws are faithfully executed”- this is the President’s implied powers- powers not specifically mentioned President must be a natural born U.S. citizen Must give the state of the union annually

Article III: The Judicial Branch (Juicy) Establishes Supreme Court and lower courts Defines federal court jurisdiction- what cases they hear Federal judges are selected by the president They serve for life

Article IV: State Relations (Steaks) Defines the relationship between the states and the federal government (Federalism) Includes the “full faith and credit” clause- states that an act or judicial proceeding of ONE state must be honored in ALL other states

Article V: Amendment Process (And) Defines the process for making changes to the Constitution Offers FLEXIBILITY Process involves federalism: Congress proposes change (2/3 vote) and each state must ratify it (3/4 vote) Changes are called amendments

Article VI: Supremacy Clause (Super) Constitution is highest law of the land Then federal laws Then state laws Then local/ city laws

Article VII: Ratifying the Constitution (Rats) How to pass the Constitution Needed 9 out of 13 states

Memory Technique Lawyers Eat Juicy Steaks And Super Rats L – Legislative Branch E – Executive Branch J – Judicial Branch S – State relations A – Amendment process S – Supremacy Clause R – Ratification Process