1. Chapter 3
The Constitution

2. Introduction to the Constitution
The Constitution sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built.
The Constitution is organized into eight sections: the Preamble and seven articles. The original document is followed by 27 amendments.

3. Layout Section Subject Preamble States the purpose Article 1
Legislative Branch
Article 2
Executive Branch
Article 3
Judicial Branch
Article 4
Relations among States
Article 5
Amending Constitution
Article 6
National debts, supremacy of national law, oath of office
Article 7
Ratifying Constitution

4. Preamble- 6 Basic Principles of Government
Popular sovereignty
Limited government
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Judicial review - power to determine constitutionality
Federalism

5. How to Amend
The Constitution provides for its own amendment—that is, for changes in its written words.
Two methods for the proposal
Two methods for the ratification
Makes four possible methods of formal amendment.

6. Amendment to Constitution

7. Amendments

8. Informal Amendments
The process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word.

10. Ways to Informally Amend the Constitution
(1) the passage of basic legislation by Congress
Ex) Stimulus Bill
(2) actions taken by the President
Ex) Sending troops for Peacekeeping missions like in Black Hawk Down
Executive Agreement

12. Way to Informally Amend (con.)
(3) key decisions of the Supreme Court
Ex) Roe v. Wade making abortion legal
(4) the activities of political parties
Ex) Nominating process like Hillary vs. Obama
(5) custom
Ex) President only for two terms
Ex) Cabinet positions
Ex) Senatorial Courtesy