1. Chapter 3: The Constitution
American Citizenship
Chapter 3: The Constitution

2. Section 1
Six Basic Principles

3. An Outline of the Constitution
Contains roughly 7,000 words
Preamble
Articles
First three articles deal with the three branches of the National Government
Legislative
Executive
Judiciary
Basic Organization and Powers

4. An Outline of the Constitution (Con’t)
Article IV
States Powers and Relationship with National Government
Article V
Amendments Proposal and Ratification
Article VI
Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
Article VII
Methods of Ratification of the Constitution
Followed by 27 Amendments

5. Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty Limited Government
Governed by the People
“We the People…” Preamble
Limited Government
Government is not all powerful
Rule of Law
Government and its officials are always subject to the law

6. Basic Principles (Con’t)
Separation of Powers
Congress is the lawmaking body
Executive is the law enforcing and executing branch
Judiciary interprets and applies the laws
Each Branch is separate and independent

7. Basic Principles (Con’t)
Checks and Balances
Each Branch, though separate, yet also tied together
They each contain powers to check the other branches powers
Ex.
Congress can pass laws and president can veto the law
Makes Compromises vital

8. Basic Principles (Con’t)
Judicial Review
The Power of courts to decide whether the government is in accordance with the law
Determine if governments actions are unconstitutional
To declare illegal, null and void
Federalism
The division of power among a central government and several regional governments (AKA States)