Structure and Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Chapter 3

Section 1

Section 1Structure

• The U.S. Constitution is divided into three parts: the preamble, seven divisions called articles, and the amendments.

– The Preamble explains why the constitution was written and the purpose of government.

– Article I establishes the legislative branch.

• Section 1 creates the Congress.

Section 1

– Article II creates an executive branch to carry out laws created by Congress.

• Its sections outline the detail of presidential powers, describe required presidential qualifications, and provide for a vice president.

Structure (cont.)

Section 1

• Section I establishes a Supreme Court to head the judicial branch.

• Section 2 outlines the jurisdiction, or authority, of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

• Section 3 defines treason.

Structure (cont.)

– Article III creates a judicial branch.

– Article IV explains the relationship of the states to one another and to the national government.

Section 1

– Article V spells out the ways the Constitution can be amended.

– Article VI contains the supremacy clause, establishing that federal law shall be the supreme Law of the Land.

Structure (cont.)

– Article VII addresses ratification and says that 9 states are needed to ratify the Constitution.

Section 1Major Principles

• The Constitution rests on six major principles of government:

– Popular sovereignty—rule by the people.

– Federalism—power is divided between national and state governments.

– Separation of powers—limits the central government by dividing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Section 1

– Checks and balances—each branch of government exercises some control over the others.

• For example, the president can check Congress by rejecting—vetoing—its legislation.

Major Principles (cont.)

System of Checks and Balances