The U.S.Constitution

1
The U.S.Constitution
2
Overview

• Origins of the Constitution
• Constitutional Principles and Provisions
• Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution
• Elements of the Constitution and its amendments

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Overview

• Describe John Lockes general principles and
  provisions embodied in the Constitution
• List ways to amend the US Constitution
• List the five parts of the Declaration of
  Independence

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Origins of theConstitution

• Philosophical Ideas
• John Locke
• The Federalist Papers
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Shays Rebellion
• The Great Compromise
• Ratification debate

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Origins of theConstitution

• The Declaration of Independence
• Introduction When in the course of human
  events..
• Preamble We hold these truths to be
  self-evident..
• Body long train of abuses and Usurpations
• Body II Weve requested help..
• Conclusion these United Colonies, are and of
  Right ought to be Free and Independent States

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Constitutional Principles and Provisions

• Federalism
• Enumerated Powers
• Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances

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Ways to Amend theU.S. Constitution

• The Proposal Process
• By the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote
  in both the House of Representatives and the
  Senate
• By a constitutional convention called for by
  two-thirds of the State legislatures.
• None of the 27 amendments to the Constitution
  have been proposed by constitutional convention.

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Ways to Amend theU.S. Constitution

• The Ratification process
• A proposed amendment becomes part of the
  Constitution as soon as it is ratified by
  three-fourths of the States (38 of 50 States).
• A proposed amendment may also be ratified by a
  special conventions called by three-fourths of
  the States.
• The 21st Amendment is the only one that has been
  adopted in this manner.
• However, Congress has the power to decide which
  method of ratification will be used

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Elements of the Constitution and its amendments

• First 10 Amendments to the Constitution The
  Bill of Rights
• Preamble
• Articles
• Other Amendments

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Bill of Rights

• First ten amendments to the Constitution

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Constitution

• Preamble
• We the people of the United States, in Order to
  form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
  insure domestic Tranquillity, 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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Elements of the Constitution and its amendments

• First 10 Amendments to the Constitution The
  Bill of Rights
• Preamble
• Articles
• Other Amendments

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Summary

• Origins of the Constitution
• Constitutional Principles and Provisions
• Ways to Amend the U.S. Constitution
• Elements of the Constitution and its amendments