chapter three, section three
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Chapter Three, Section Three. “The Structure of the Constitution”. “Supreme Law of the Land”. “Supreme Law of the Land”. The new “ U.S. Constitution ” is the highest authority in the nation. All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document. Parts of the Constitution. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Chapter Three, Section ThreeChapter Three, Section Three
““The Structure of the Constitution”The Structure of the Constitution”
““Supreme Law of the Land”Supreme Law of the Land”
““Supreme Law of the Land”Supreme Law of the Land”
The new “U.S. Constitution” is the highest authority in the nation.
All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document.
Parts of the ConstitutionParts of the Constitution
The “Preamble”The “Preamble”
““Preamble”Preamble”Introduction to the Constitution that lists the Introduction to the Constitution that lists the
Six Goals of GovernmentSix Goals of Government“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.”
Goal #1: To Form a more Goal #1: To Form a more perfect Unionperfect Union
To unite the states more effectively so they can operate as a single nation, for the good of all
Goal #2: To establish JusticeGoal #2: To establish Justice
To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally.
Goal #3: To insure domestic Goal #3: To insure domestic TranquilityTranquility
To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and property safe from harm.
Goal #4: To provide for the Goal #4: To provide for the common defensecommon defense
To be ready militarily to protect the country and it’s citizens from outside attack.
Goal #5: To promote the general Goal #5: To promote the general WelfareWelfare
To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives
Goal #6: To secure the Blessings of Goal #6: To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Liberty to ourselves and our
PosterityPosterityTo guarantee the freedom and basic rights
of all Americans, including future generations (“posterity”).
The “Articles”The “Articles”Lists the functions and purposes of the Lists the functions and purposes of the
governmentgovernment
Article I – “L”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.
Article II – “E”Article II – “E”Article II establishes the Executive
Branch (U.S. President & Vice President).It establishes procedures for electing the
president and vice presidentPresident has the task of “carrying out
laws”.
Article III – “J”Article III – “J”Article III establishes the Judicial Branch
(U.S. Supreme Court with 9 justices).It establishes the powers of the Court and
the cases they will hear.Supreme Court has the task of
“interpreting our laws”.
Article IV – “R”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.
Article V – “A”Article V – “A”Article V discusses the amendments of the
Constitution (currently 27)“Amending” (or changing) allows the
Constitution to change with the times.“Bill of Rights” are the first 10
amendments
Article VI -- “S” 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.
Article VII – “R”Article VII – “R”Article VII discusses the “ratification” (or
approval) of the Constitution.It requires 9 out of 13 states to ratify
before the Constitution can go into effect.
Amending the ConstitutionAmending the Constitution
Amending the ConstitutionAmending the Constitution 1791, the first
“amendments” were added to the Constitution.
These are the “Bill of Rights”.
Thousands have been suggested, but only 27 have been made!
Amending the ConstitutionAmending the Constitution
All amendments must begin by being “proposed”
To propose an amendment, it requires either a (1) vote of 2/3 of both houses of Congress OR (2) national convention called for by 2/3 of state legislatures.
Most amendments begin with (1)…
Amending the ConstitutionAmending the Constitution
All amendments must end by being “ratified”
To ratify an amendment, it requires either a (1) ¾ of state legislatures approval OR (2) ¾ of state Ratifying Conventions.
Only Amendment 21 ratified by option (2)…
Interpreting the ConstitutionInterpreting the Constitution
The “Necessary and Proper Clause” states Congress has the power to make all Laws which shall be “necessary and proper”
Article I, Section 8, Clause 8
Interpreting the ConstitutionInterpreting the Constitution Known as the “Elastic
Clause”, this gives Congress flexibility to make what laws it seems are necessary and proper.
This is an “implied power” which are powers not specifically mentioned.
Interpreting the ConstitutionInterpreting the Constitution Supreme Court
decisions also have a major impact.
They have final authority on “interpreting” the Constitution.
These have differed over time depending on the make up of the Court.
Interpreting the ConstitutionInterpreting the Constitution
Congress and the presidents have also interpreted the Constitution
Cases of impeachment and presidential succession.
Interpreting the ConstitutionInterpreting the Constitution
Although not in the Constitution, the creation of political parties has also changed the way we look at this document.