1. The Structure of the Constitution
The Constitution has three main parts: preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments

2. Article I- The Legislative Branch
Congress is made up of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives
Congress will carry out the legislative duties of government

3. Lists the powers given to Congress: to tax, regulate trade, coin money, declare war
Lists the powers that are denied to Congress: power to tax exports

4. Article II- The Executive Branch
Provides for the Executive Branch (the President and Vice President) to carry out the duties
Explains how the two leaders are chosen
Lists the President’s powers, including, commanding the armed forces, make treaties with other nations, pardon criminals, appoint certain government officials (must be approved by the Senate)

5. Article III- The Judicial Branch
Gives the judicial branch the powers of government to the Supreme and federal courts
Judges are appointed by the President and serve for life
Courts will judge all cases
Supreme Court is in charge of making sure other courts do not violate the Constitution

6. Article IV- explains the relationship between the states and federal government
Article V- specifies how the Constitution can be changed
Article VI- general provisions about government
Article VII- Ratification of Constitution

7. Amending the Constitution
Both processes explained in Article V
Amendment may be proposed in two ways:
By a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress
By 2/3 of state legislatures requesting a national convention (this particular process has never been used)

8. Once the amendment has been proposed, it must be ratified by ¾ of the states
Two ways to ratify
By a vote in each state legislature
By calling special state conventions (only the 21st Amendment was ratified in this way)
Congress proposed and the states ratified all other amendments

9. Writers of the Constitution made the process difficult on purpose
Change would have to have the overwhelming support of the people
Amendment process is necessary to safeguard our freedoms
If the Constitution could not have been amended to protect its people, such as blacks an women, then it would not have survived

10. Interpreting the Constitution
Writers of the Constitution tried to keep the document as general as possible to adhere to a changing world
Lots of detail on some matters, others left open for interpretation

11. The Necessary and Proper Clause
Phrase found in Article I
Allows Congress to make all laws which are necessary and proper in order for them to carry out their duties
Most interpreted phrase in the Constitution
Allows Congress to exercise powers not specifically listed in the Constitution (known as implied powers)
Most governmental policies today are based on implied powers

12. Interpretation by the Courts
Has the final responsibility for interpretation of the Constitution
Each new interpretation allows government to change and grow

13. Interpretation through Congressional and Presidential Actions
Congress- impeachment proceedings- House of Representatives decides whether or not to impeach and the Senate determines guilt or innocence
Prior to the 25 Amendment, Presidential Succession- Vice President assumes the President's Office upon death
Presidential Agreements with other nations
President requests legislation through Congress

14. Interpretation through Customs
Political parties (not mentioned within the Constitution)