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Government Alive!. Chapter 4 The United States Constitution. Introduction. Objectives: Gain insight into the 3 guiding principles found in the document Identify the titles of each Article of the Constitution Outline the 3 types of power established by the constitution
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Government Alive! Chapter 4 The United States Constitution
Introduction • Objectives: • Gain insight into the 3 guiding principles found in the document • Identify the titles of each Article of the Constitution • Outline the 3 types of power established by the constitution • Evaluate court cases that helped shape this document • Analyze the information within the Constitution • Interpret the ways which the Constitution has been argued
Elements of the Constitution continued… • The Preamble • Various goals: • Form a more perfect union. • Establish justice. • Ensure domestic tranquility. • Provide for the common defense. • Promote the general welfare. • Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
Elements of the Constitution continued… • The Articles • Article I Establishes the Legislative Branch • Article II Establishes the Executive Branch • Article III Establishes the Judicial Branch • Article IV Concerns Relations among the States • Article V Describes the Amendment Process • Article VI Makes the Constitution the Supreme Law of the Land • Article VII Explains the Ratification Process
4.3 Amending the Constitution How a proposed amendment proceeds after a 2/3 vote in each house of Congress. ~or~ A national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures.
Guiding Principles of the Constitution • Establishing a Limited Government • Popular Sovereignty • The Rule of Law • Separation of Powers—Checks and Balances • Federalism • An Independent Judiciary • Individual Rights
Enumerated or Implied Powers • Enumerated powers are those that are specifically listed in the Constitution. • Implied Powers are those that the legislature can claim as part of its lawmaking responsibility • “Elastic Clause”—stretched to cover a variety of issues and circumstances
Strict v. Loose construction Strict construction of the Constitution • Literal reading of the Constitution • Holds that the original language of the Constitution and the intent of the framers must serve as primary guides to judicial interpretation Loose construction of the Constitution • Flexible reading of the Constitution • Holds that modern values and social consequences must be taken into account in interpreting the Constitution.