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The United States Constitution

The United States Constitution. “Supreme Law of the Land” (written plan of govt. for the entire nation). Chapter 3-3 and Chapter 3-4. Structure of the Constitution How is it organized?. Three parts:. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,

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The United States Constitution

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  1. The United States Constitution “Supreme Law of the Land” (written plan of govt. for the entire nation) Chapter 3-3 and Chapter 3-4

  2. Structure of the ConstitutionHow is it organized?

  3. Three parts:

  4. We the People of the United States, • in Order to form a more perfect Union, • establish Justice, • insure domestic Tranquility, • provide for the common defence, • 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.

  5. Translation • To unite the states so they can operate as a single nation, for the good of all • To make certain that all citizens are treated equally • To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and their property safe from harm • To be ready militarily to protect the country and its citizens from attack • To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives • To guarantee the basic rights of all Americans, including future generations (posterity)

  6. The 7 Articles • Article I – describe the Legislative Branch (Congress) • Article II – describes the Executive Branch (President) • Article III – describes the Judicial Branch (Courts & Judges) • Article IV – describes the relationship b/t the states & national govt. • Article V – describes amending (changing) the Constitution • Article VI – describes how the Constitution is the Supreme (most important) law of the land • Article VII – describes the process of ratifying the Constitution

  7. Also known as The Bill of Rights * Protecting many of our personal freedoms • Amendment 1- • Amendment 2 - • Amendment 3 - • Amendment 4 - • Amendment 5 - • Amendment 6 - • Amendment 7 - • Amendment 8 - • Amendment 9 - • Amendment 10 -

  8. Amendment 11 - • Amendment 12 - • Amendment 13 - • Amendment 14 - • Amendment 15 - • Amendment 16 - • Amendment 17 - • Amendment 18 - • Amendment 19 - • Amendment 20 - • Amendment 21 - • Amendment 22 - • Amendment 23 - • Amendment 24 - • Amendment 25 - • Amendment 26 - • Amendment 27 - various changes that needed to be made

  9. Federal Republic Popular Sovereignty Rule of Law Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Federalism Supremacy Principles (ideas) of the Constitution

  10. Federal RepublicPopular Sovereignty * principle 1 * principle 2 * having a govt. run by an * power of the govt. lies elected leader w/ the people * having a representative democracy * the will of the ppl. is demonstrated by having elections & ppl. voting Rule of Law *principle 3 *limited govt. (things govt. can & can’t do) *law applies to EVERYONE

  11. Separation of Powers principle 4 • to protect against abuse of power or govt. having too much power  divide govt. into 3 branches • borrowed this idea from _______________ • each branch of govt. has its own duties & responsibilities • L • E • J

  12. Checks & Balances principle 5 (chart p.88) • each branch “checks” the other to make sure its job gets done (like siblings “check” to see if each other’s chores have been done) • Each branch will “balance” each other out (have equal power)

  13. Examples:

  14. Federalism(principle 6 -chart p. 89) power is divided: one national govt. & state govts.

  15. Supremacy Clause(principle 7) • If a state law & a national law conflict w/ one another, the national law PREVAILS • States may not violate national law • National law may not violate the Constitution

  16. Amending the Constitution(chart p.83) • Two steps • 1. Proposal • congress makes a proposal to amend • or state delegates meet at national convention to amend • 2. Ratification (3/4 of states needed) • by state delegates • or state convention

  17. Interpreting the Constitution • Necessary & Proper Clause: • congress having powers that aren’t specifically listed in Constitution (implied powers) • “Loose interpretation” • congress might have to make other laws when necessary • “Strict interpretation” • give congress only the powerslistedin Constitution • “Elastic” Clause: • give congress the ability to “stretch” its powers

  18. Court Decisions: • U.S. Supreme Court (highest court in the U.S.) reviews any interpretations of the Constitution • Legislative Actions: • impeaching the president & putting him on trial • Presidential Actions • the duties of the vice-president • Customs: • creating political parties

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