THE PREAMBLETHE PREAMBLE

What does Preamble mean?

• The prefix pre- means before, and amble means walk.

• Therefore the Preamble of the Constitution is the introduction, what comes before.

• The Preamble states the purpose of the Constitution – the purpose of the government that the framers designed. It is similar to an introductory paragraph in an essay.

Preamble to the United States Constitution

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.

THE THE CONSTITUTIONCONSTITUTION

Four Key Constitutional Principles

Take notes in spiral on page 32

Concept 1: Separation of PowersA way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president,

and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

Concept 2: Checks and Balances

A government structure that gives each of

the three branches of government

some degree of oversight and

control over the actions of the

others

Concept 3: Federalism

System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state

governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

Concept 4: Limited Government

A type of government in which

its functions

and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to

protect the citizenry.

National Government• May not violate the Bill of Rights • May not impose export taxes among

states • May not use money from the Treasury

without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill

• May not change state boundaries

State Government• May not enter into treaties with other

countries • May not print money • May not tax imports or exports • May not Impair obligations of contracts • May not suspend a person's rights

without due process

Which of the Constitutional Principles do you believe is the most important for our

government to protect in today’s society?

• Separation of Powers• Checks and Balances• Federalism• Limited Government

THE THE CONSTITUTIONCONSTITUTION

Reviewing the Articles

Article I: Legislative Branch

• This article spells out the powers and duties of the bicameral legislature, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• It lists the powers given to Congress, called enumerated powers. These include the right to tax, declare war, regulate commerce, and create legislation.

• Congress is given the right to make all laws that are “necessary and proper” to the maintenance of the country. This is referred to as the elastic clause because it has been stretched to accommodate the changing needs of the country.

Article II: Executive Branch

• This article defines the powers of the President. These powers include being Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reporting to Congress on “the state of the union” and the authority to make treaties and to appoint officials with the advice and consent of the Senate.

• The President must also “take care that the laws are faithfully executed.” This phrase has become a source of implied powers, meaning that the President is assumed to have powers and responsibilities not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

Article III: Judicial Branch

• This article establishes a Supreme Court and defines its jurisdiction or its authority to hear certain cases.

• Congress is also given the power to create lower courts.

Article IV: Federalism

• This article more clearly defines the relationship between the states and the federal government.

• It includes the “full faith and credit” clause, which states that an act or judicial proceeding of one state must be honored in all other states.

Article V: Amendment Process

• This article defines the process for making changes to the original Constitution.

• The process involves federalism; Congress must propose an amendment by a two-thirds vote in both houses and the states must ratify it by a three-quarters vote in order for the amendment to be added to the Constitution.

Article VI: Supremacy Clause

• This article clearly states that national law will be supreme over state law.