1. The Structure of the Constitution
The Constitution and it Parts

2. What is the Constitution
A framework for our government
The Highest authority in our nation
The basic law of the United States
A symbol of our Nation

3. The Three main parts The Preamble The Seven Articles The 27 Amendments
An introduction that states the goals and purposes of the government.
The Seven Articles
They describe the structure of the government
The 27 Amendments
Additions and changes, to the Constitution

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5. The Preamble
The opening section of the Constitution, it tells why the Constitution was written.
“we the People of the united states, in Order …Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United states of America”

6. The Preamble
The Middle part of the Preamble states six purposes of the government
“To form a more perfect Union” –
To unite the states more effectively so they can operate as a single nation for the good of all.

7. The Preamble 2. “To Establish Justice”
– To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally
3. “To insure domestic Tranquility”
–to maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and their property safe from harm

8. The Preamble 4. “To provide for the common defense”
– to be ready militarily to protect eh country and its citizens from outside attacks
5. “To promote the general Welfare”
– to help people live healthy, happy and prosperous lives

9. The Preamble
6.”To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”
– to guarantee the freedom and basic rights of all Americans, including future generations.

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The Articles
The Seven articles that follow the Preamble explain how the government is to work.

11. Article I (The Legislative Branch)
The first article deal with the legislative branch
It states that the Congress will be made of two houses
The house of Representatives
The Senate
These two houses will have all lawmaking authority
It also list specific powers that congress does and does not have.
May collect taxes, declare war and coin money
May not Tax exports or favor one state over another

12. Article II (The Executive Branch)
Provides for an executive branch or law Enforcing branch of government
Consist of a President and Vice President
Explains how the president will be elected
Describes presidential powers and duties
Commanding the army
Dealing with foreign leaders

13. Article III (The Judicial Branch)
Establishes a Judicial Branch of government that interprets the laws and sees that they are fairly applied.
One Supreme court and lower courts as congress deems appropriate
Also list the powers of the federal courts and describes the kinds of cases they may hear.
Cases involving the Constitution
Cases involving federal law

14. Articles IV
All states must respect each other’s laws and court decisions
Explains the process for creating new states
Promises that the federal government will protect and defend the states

15. Article V
Specifies how amendments are to be made

16. Article VI Declares the Constitution to be the supreme law of the land
If state laws or court decisions conflict with federal law the federal law shall prevail

17. Article VII
Declares that the constitution would take effect when nine states had ratified it.

18. Amending the Constitution
Since the constitutions was signed in 1787 it has been amended 27 times
The first 10 amendments where called the bill of rights

19. The Amendment process
There have been thousands of amendments considered over the years
The framers made sure the Constitution could not be altered without the overwhelming support of the people
So while they new it was necessary they made sure it was not easy

20. The Amendment process
The Amendment process is outlined it Article V of the Constitution
There are two ways an amendment can be proposed
BY congressional action
Requires 2/3 of the member of both houses
By National Convention request by two-thirds of the states
Once a national amendment has been proposed ¾ of the states must ratify it.

21. Interpreting the Constitution
Although the Constitution has been amended only 27 times, there have been many other changes to it.
These changes have taken place through interpretations.
One example is the Necessary and Proper Clause

22. Necessary and Proper Clause
Article I list the powers of the Congress, in this article, the constitution give congress the powers to make all laws which shall be necessary and propter to carry out its duties.
This allows congress to exercise powers that are not specifically listed in the constitution
These powers are call implied powers.