The Constitution

Three Branches of Government

The ConstitutionThe Constitution is divided into Articles.Each Article defines the specific duties of

a different part of government. Preamble: Statement of purpose Article One: Legislative Power Article Two: Executive power Article Three: Judicial power Article Four: States' powers and limits Article Five: Amendments Article Six: Federal power Article Seven: Ratification

The ConstitutionElastic Clause (Necessary and Proper)

In Article One, give Congress the ability to make any law that they feel is needed to carry out the principle of the Constitution

Full Faith and Credit Clause In Article Four, States must recognize and

carry out laws implemented by other states.

Three Branches of Government

Article One-Legislative Branch Makes the laws

Article Two-Executive Branch Enforces and carries out the laws

Article Three-Judicial Branch Interprets the laws

Three Branches of Government

Article 1- LegislativePeople House of Reps. and Senate

Powers Makes laws Declares war Controls the budget

Checks Approves or disapproves treaties Approves or disapprove of the President’s

appointments May overrule the decisions of the courts by

proposing constitutional amendments May override the President’s veto May remove a President from office if he or she

is found guilty of wrongdoing (impeachment)

Article 2- ExecutivePeople President, Vice President, The Cabinet (15

Cabinet Secretaries)

Powers Sees that the laws are obeyed Is the commander in chief of the armed forces Approves laws Appoints government leaders Pardons people convicted of federal crimes

Checks May veto laws passed by Congress Appoints federal judges May call a special session of Congress

Article 3- Judicial People Supreme Court- 9 Supreme Court Justices, 1

Chief Justice, 8 Associate Justices

Powers Explain the meaning of laws Decide whether laws or government actions

agree with the Constitution

Checks May declare the President’s actions

unconstitutional May declare laws unconstitutional