The Constitution Chapter 3, Section 1

The Constitution: There are 3 main parts to the constitution The preamble The articles The amendments

The Preamble: States the purpose of the document Lists 6 goals/principles they were trying to achieve Popular sovereignty Federalism Separation of powers Checks & balances Judicial review Limited government

Major Principles of the Constitution: Popular Sovereignty Rule by the people Federalism Power is shared between the states and the federal government Separation of Powers Each branch has its own responsibilities (pass laws, execute laws, etc.)

Major Principles of the Constitution: Checks & Balances While power is divided between the branches, each branch exercises some control over the other branches presidential veto senate affirms supreme court nominations congress can impeach president Judicial Review Courts can declare laws passed by states and local governments unconstitutional Limited Government The powers of government are limited, the people or the states retain a lot of power

The Preamble: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.

The Articles: Article 1 Article 1: The Legislative Branch Spells out the workings of congress Bicameral (House of Representatives & Senate) Sets up term limits Establishes legislative powers

The Articles: Article 2 Article 2: The Executive Branch Describes the duties, responsibilities and qualifications for president Sets up term limits Establishes the executive’s power

The Articles: Article 3 Article 3: Judicial Branch Describes the court system, including the Supreme Court Determines which cases the Supreme Court can hear first (original jurisdiction Establishes the right to trial by jury Defines crime of treason

The Articles: Articles 4 & 5 Article 4: The relationship of the states to one another Full faith & credit clause (all states must respect the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of other states) Article 5: The amendment process Establishes the 3 main ways in which an amendment can be made Approved by 2/3 of both houses of congress & then sent for states’ approval 2/3 of state legislators petition congress for a constitutional convention to consider amendments (which are then sent for states’ approval) Congress may require ratification by special convention

The Articles: Articles 6 & 7 Article 6: Supremacy clause The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land Article 7: Ratification Describes the requirements for ratification of the constitution