Unit 2A: The United States Constitution

Principles, Foundations &

Structure

Principles of the Constitution

1. Popular Sovereignty

2. Federalism

3. Republicanism

4. Separation of Powers

5. Checks & Balances

6. Judicial Review

7. Limited Government

8. Individual Rights

Historical Foundationsof the New Government

• The US Constitution was a collection of ideas and methods from other nations & experiments in government that had come before. What did each of the following contribute?– Ancient World

– European Enlightenment

– English Heritage

– New World

Structure of the Constitution

A. Preamble: introduction; why constitution written, states major goals & source of authority.

• “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.”

Structure of the Constitution

B. Seven Articles: powers of governmentI. Legislative Branch

II. Executive Branch

III. Judicial Branch

IV. Relations among states & National Gov.

V. Provisions for Amendment

VI. Debts, Supremacy Clause & Oaths

VII.Ratification Process

Structure of the Constitution

C. Amendments: short & to the point– All amendments are changes to the

constitution and considered part of the constitution itself.

– First 10 amendments “Bill of Rights”– 27 amendments in total

• Last one – 27th (1992) • Congressional Pay