The Constitution: Structure

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The Constitution Structure Principles

• 3-1

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WARNING!

• Success of this type of government depends on an
  informed, participating citizenry.
• An understanding of the Constitution is KEY to
  understanding the structure and daily function of
  American government.

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I. Structure

• The U.S. Constitution is simple and brief
  (unlikeyou knowAlabamas).
• The Founders left the details to each generation
  of government.
• C. The 7,000 word Constitution in made up of
  three parts (p.774-799)
• The Preamble
• The Articles
• The Amendments (test coming soon!)

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II. The Parts

• The Preamble thesis statement of the
  Constitution
• 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.

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• The Articles Divisions that cover a general
  topic.
• Article I Legislative Branch
• Article II Executive Branch
• Article III Judicial Branch
• Article IV Relationship among States and the
  Federal government
• Article V Constitutional Amendment process
• Article VI Supremacy Clause
• Article VII Ratification (9 of 13)

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• C. The Amendments changes or modifications to
  the Constitution that help it adapt to a changing
  world.
• D. The First 10 Amendments make up the Bill of
  Rights.
• YOU WILL HAVE A TEST ON ALL 27 AMENDMENTS! STUDY
  NOW! We didnt write this stuff for our health,
  you know. James Madison

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III. Major Principles

• Popular Sovereignty Rule by the People. The
  governments authority comes from the consent of
  the governed.
• Federalism Division of power among states and a
  national government.
• Separation of Powers Each branch has its own
  powers, so no branch gets too powerful.
• Checks and Balances Each branch has some power
  over the others (i.e. veto). See chart on page 66.

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• E. Judicial Review Article III The judicial
  power shall extend to all cases arising under
  the Constitution. The Federal Courts have the
  power to rule actions of any government
  unconstitutional (final say goes to the Supreme
  Court).
• See review of Marbury v Madison on p. 761
• F. Limited Government Specific limitations on
  what government can and cannot do.