The Structure ofUS Constitution

Chapter 3 Sec. 1 & 2

Preamble

The Preamble = Introduction States why the Constitution was written, 6

reasons:– 1. Form a more perfect union– 2. Establish Justice– 3. Insure Domestic tranquility– 4. Provide for the common defense– 5. Promote general welfare– 6. secure the blessings of liberty

Article I: The Legislative Branch (p.68-70)

AKA: Congress Job: Make laws Bicameral: Made up of

two houses House of

Representatives Senate

Article I:Legislative branch cont.

Article I is made up of 10 sections:– 1. power & make up– 2. term, qualifications, etc… – 3. Senate: term, Qual., etc..– 4. elections, meeting dates– 5. organization & rules of

procedure– 6. privileges & restrictions– 7. passing laws– 8. powers granted to congress– 9. powers denied to federal

government– 10. powers denied to states

Article II: The Executive Branch (p. 70-71)

AKA: White House Job: to enforce laws 4 sections listed:

– 1. Pres. & V.P. term, election, qualifications

– 2. powers of president– 3. Duties of president– 4. Impeachment

Article III: The Judicial Branch (72-73)

AKA: Supreme Court & all other Federal courts below

Job: to interpret laws based on the Constitution.

The smallest of three branches, but Judicial Review makes it as important

3 sections listed:– 1. Federal Courts– 2. Jurisdiction– 3. Treason

Article IVRelations Among the States

This article ensures that each state recognizes the laws, court decisions, & records of all other states.

4 sections listed here:– 1. Official acts: it states the above– 2. Mutual duties of states– 3. New states & territories– 4. federal protection for states

Article V: Amending the Constitution

The process by which the Constitution can be changed!

“We must never forget that it is … a constitution intended to endure for ages to come, and, consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.” JM

What is the meaning of this quote?

Article VINational Supremacy

AKA: The Supremacy Clause Has 3 parts:

– 1. All debts incurred during war & under the Articles of Confederation, are still owed

– 2. Federal laws are supreme in conflicts between state & national law

– 3. Oaths of office: no religious test shall be required for a job in govt.

Article VIIRatification of the Constitution

Required 9/13 state approval to ratify 1st: Delaware 9th: New Hampshire 4th: Georgia 10 & 11: VA (10)& NY(3), most populated Last: Rhode Island

Amendments

27 amendments in the Constitution Amend 1-10 aka: Bill of Rights (1791) Amend 11-27 passed from 1795-1992

Article V: Amending Cont.

Found: Article V How: two ways

– Most popular way: proposed by 2/3 of congress & approved by ¾ state legislatures

– Overall: 4 different combinations to amend

– Congress has set a 7 year limit on the process

Why would the Constitution be amended?

1. Simply laws have changed, or further clarified

2. President has requested change 3. Court decisions: with use of Judicial

Review to interpret the Constitution 4. Our political customs & traditions, ex.

Political parties

Shared power & conflict (p.73-75)

The three branches must cooperate with each other to be effective, but conflict is inevitable.

Through checks & balances @ court hearings they create & control conflicts