Structure of the Constitution Chapter 5 Lesson 3

Parts of the Constitution Main purpose is provide a plan for government. Highest authority in the nation. Contains 3 parts Preamble Articles Amendments

Parts of the Constitution Preamble Purpose and goal of government. Power of government comes from the people. States 6 purposes of government.

Parts of the Constitution Preamble Video (10 MIN) Single nation All citizens treated equally Provide peace and order Ready military to protect nation. People live happy, healthy lives. Guarantee the basic rights of all Americans.

Parts of the Constitution Articles How government is set up. State the powers and responsibility of each branch. Article I: Legislative Branch Two houses Law making abilities

Parts of the Constitution Article II: Executive Branch - President/Vice President How they are elected Powers Article III: Judicial Branch – Supreme Court Interprets laws Makes sure laws fairly applies

Parts of the Constitution Article IV: Relationship between the states and national government. (Federalism) Article V: How constitution can be amended (changed). Article VI: Constitution is supreme law of the land. Article VII: How the Constitution was ratified (approved).

Helpful Mnemonic A mnemonic is a made up acronym used to assist memory. Lazy (Legislative Branch) Elephants (Executive Branch) Jump (Judicial Branch) Slowly (State/Federalism) And (Amendment Process) Sleep (Supremacy Clause) Regularly (Ratification)

Principles of the Constitution Chapter 5 Lesson 4

Principles of the Constitution 5 Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty Limited Government & Rule of Law Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Federalism

Principles of the Constitution Popular Sovereignty Limited Government & Rule of Law Power lies with the people. Popular – The people or public. Sovereignty – The right to rule. Limited Gov. – Const. limits both federal & state power. Rule of Law – Laws apply to EVERYONE, including those that govern.

Principles of the Constitution Separation of Powers Checks & Balances 3 branches of government – each with separate powers. Each branch can check (limit) other 2 branch’s power. No one branch becomes too powerful.

Federalism – 3 Types of Powers Enumerated Powers Reserved Powers Concurrent Powers Powers given to national gov. Enumerated – Listed or Spelled Out Powers reserved (set aside) for state governments. Powers shared by both national & state governments.

Federalism Supremacy Clause Article VI (Article 6) states the Constitution “shall be the Supreme law of the Land.” Neither national gov. or state gov. can make any law going against the Constitution.