1. The Constitution

2. The Constitution was created using Seven Principles

3. First Principle of the Constitution: Popular Sovereignty
This tells the government the source of it’s power. (The voters)
This is clearly stated in the first words of the Preamble: “We the people of the United States…”
Definition: a government in which the people rule; a system in which the residents vote to decide an issue.

4. Second Principle of the Constitution: Republicanism
Is the belief that the people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives to work for what the voters want.
The United States is not a Democracy. It is a Republic!
Found in Article 4 Section 4; calls for every state to have a “republican form of government.”

5. Third Principle of the Constitution: Federalism
This is the idea that the State & National Governments have to share power. The states keep certain powers, then give the national government others and they share some powers or duties.
Article 4 talks about the powers reserved for the states. It also lists the powers given to the national government.

6. Federalism Powers delegated (or given by the states) to the National
Government
Concurrent
Powers
(Shared
by the
National
and State
Governments)
Powers
reserved
(or kept by
the states)
for the
State
Government

7. Fourth Principle of the Constitution: Separation of Powers
Because the Framers of the Constitution did not want all the power given to a small group of people, they spread out the powers between three branches of government.
The Constitution clearly says which branch has what power in Articles 1(Legislative), 2 (Executive) & 3 (Judicial).

8. Fifth Principle of the Constitution: Checks and Balances
To keep any one branch from becoming too powerful, the Framers of the Constitution set up a system where each of the Branches of Government would have to work together & could block another branch from becoming to powerful.
Checks & Balances was first thought of by Barron de Montesquieu of 18th Century France.
Listed in Articles 1, 2 & 3

9. Sixth Principle of the Constitution: Limited Government
Requires all U.S. citizens to follow the law.
In American Government, everyone is under the law. All citizens, elected officials and the government must follow the law unlike a king.
Article 1 Sections 9 & 10 states that the States and National Governments must follow the laws.

10. Seventh Principle of the Constitution: Individual Rights
The guarantees that citizens have rights that protect them from the government picking on them.
These rights are listed in the Bill of Rights.

11. The Constitution has Four Parts

12. First Part of the Constitution: The Preamble
It states the purpose of the Constitution by telling what the Framers of the Constitution intended to do in writing the Constitution.
You have to have it memorized by January 31st.

13. Goals of the Preamble PREAMBLE EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
“ Form a More Prefect Union”
Create a nation in which states work together.
US Postal System
US coins, Paper Money
“Establish Justice”
Make laws & set up courts that are fair
Court System
Jury System
“Insure Domestic Tranquility”
Keep peace within the country
National Guard
Federal Marshals
“Provide for the Common Defense”
Safeguard the country against attack
Army
Navy
“Promote the General Welfare”
Contribute to the happiness and well being of all the people
Birth Certificates
Marriage License
“Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our Posterity”
Make sure future citizens remain free
Commission on Civil Rights
National Council on Disability

14. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article One
Creates the Legislative Branch & divides it into 2 houses (House and Senate)
Sets up how each house is to be elected & qualifications.
Explains the Legislative Branch’s powers (checks) over the other branches
Explains how a Bill becomes a law
Describes the powers given only to the Legislative Branch (Trade, Declare War)

15. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Two
Creates the Executive Branch
Sets up & describes the Electoral College
Sets up the qualifications to be President.
Explains who takes over if the President can’t finish the term of office.
Clearly explains the duties of the President (what they can and can’t do)
Explains how the President can be removed from office (impeachment)

16. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Three
Creates the Judicial Branch
Creates all of the federal courts (Supreme, District and Circuit)
Explains the Supreme Courts Authority & Jurisdiction (Original & Appellate)
Describes trial by jury
Defines Treason and states it’s punishment

17. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Four
Sets up “Full Faith and Credit” between the states. (it means that each state much respect licensing or court ruling from other states)
Explains how to admit new states into the country.
Describes the relationships between the states

18. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Five
Explains how to amend the Constitution
Proposed by Congress (2/3 majority) or by 2/3 of the States Legislatures. It then approved (Ratified) by ¾ of either Both Houses of Congress or ¾ of State Legislatures.

19. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Six
Explains that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Meaning that when it comes down between national and state laws, the national law wins out. This sets up the “Supremacy Clause”

20. Second Part of the Constitution: Seven Articles Article Seven
Explains that the Constitution must be ratified (approved) by nine of the thirteen states to take effect

21. Third Part of the Constitution: The Bill of Rights
Amendments 1-10
Explains the rights of citizens and states
It was understood that they would be added at the Constitutional Convention
All ten were added at the same time

22. Fourth Part of the Constitution: The Amendments
These are changes to the Constitution