1. “The Structure of the Constitution”

2. Learning goal: SWBAT interpret the intentions of the preamble

3. “Supreme Law of the Land”

4. The “U.S. Constitution” is the highest authority in the nation. All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document.

5. Three Parts of the Constitution Preamble - Introduction or Goals of the Constitution The 7 Articles - (LEJ RASR): Body of the Constitution The 27 Amendments - Changes to the Constitution

6. The “Preamble” video video

7. “Preamble” The introduction to our Constitution is called the Preamble. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The phrases “We the People” illustrates the people rule! this is known as popular sovereignty, and the government gets it power from the people – This portion of the Constitution lists the six goals of our government.

8. Goal #1: 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

9. Goal #2: To establish Justice To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally.

10. Goal #3: To insure domestic Tranquility To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and property safe from harm.

11. Goal #4: To provide for the common defense To be ready militarily to protect the country and it’s citizens from outside attack.

12. Goal #5: To promote the general Welfare To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

13. Goal #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 (“posterity”). videovideo In order to carry out these goals, we the people ordain (declare or decree) this as our plan for government – our constitution!

14. The “Articles” video Lists the functions and purposes of the government video

15. Article I – “L” Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (U.S. Congress). It creates the “Senate” and the “House of Representatives”. Congress has the task of “making laws”. Only Congress can declare war or coin money.

16. Article II – “E” Article II establishes the Executive Branch (U.S. President & Vice President). It establishes procedures for electing the president and vice president President has the task of “carry out laws”.

17. Article III – “J” Article III establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts). Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws

18. Article IV – “R” Article IV establishes the relations of the states and the rights of citizens. It establishes “good will” among states. Promises U.S. protection of the states.

19. Article V – “A” Article V discusses the Amending the Constitution To amend (or change) allows the Constitution to change with the times. We currently have 27 Amendments “Bill of Rights” are the first 10 amendments

20. Article VI -- “S” Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest authority in the land. If state law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution wins.

21. Article VII – “R” Article VII discusses the “ratification” of the Constitution. To Ratify means to Approve It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect.