Post on 13-Jan-2023
Principles of the Constitution
Major concepts embedded dealing with limiting the power of government, and
ensuring that the people retain power and rights.
1.Popular Sovereignty – Government power comes from the consent
of the people.
2.Limited Government – The people retain certain rights that cannot
be denied by the government.
3. Individual Rights – Freedoms guaranteed to citizens.
4.Federalism – The states and the federal government share power.
5.Separation of Power – 3 Branches + Checks & Balances.
6.Rule of Law – Everyone must follow the law.
THE CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE
A preamble is an introduction. The introduction to the Constitution lists the goals of the Constitution.
The goals of the Constitution refer to problems under the Articles of Confederation.
GOALS OF THE CONSTITUTION
1) Form a More Perfect Union
2) Establish Justice
3) Insure Domestic Tranquility
4) Provide for the Common Defense
5) Promote the General Welfare
6) Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our Posterity
Article I Legislative Branch
Article II Executive Branch
Article III Judicial Branch
Article IV States and the Federal Government
Article V Amendment Process
Article VI Supremacy of National Law
Article VII Ratification
7 ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVE BRANCHPURPOSE = MAKE LAWS
Section 1: Name = Congress – Bicameral (House of Reps & Senate)
Section 2: House of Representatives
Section 3: Senate
Section 4: Congressional Elections & Congressional Meetings
Section 5: Rules for Conducting Business in Congress
Section 6: Congressional Salaries
Section 7: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Section 8: Powers of Congress
Section 9: Powers Denied to Congress
Section 10: Powers Denied to the States
Congress
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Based on State Population
Directly Elected by People
MAJOR POWERS OF CONGRESS
Tax
Declare War
Raise/Maintain Army
Regulate Interstate Trade
Tax Imports
Create Postal System
Coin Money
Create Lower Federal Courts
SENATE
2 Per State
Originally selected by State Legislatures
Today Directly Elected
POWERS DENIED CONGRESS
• Suspend Writ of Habeas Corpus
• Pass Bills of Attainder
• Ex Post Facto Law
• Tax Exports
ARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCHPRESIDENT (POTUS): PURPOSE – ENFORCE THE LAW
Section 1: Presidential Election (Method, Qualifications, etc…)
Section 2: Powers of the President
Section 3: President & Congress Relationship
Section 4: Impeachment & Cause for Removal
ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT
Chief Executive
Commander-in-Chief
Legislative Leader
Judicial Leader
Chief of State
Foreign Policy Maker
POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT
Enforce laws passed by Congress
Send troops into battle
Enter into Treaties
Appoint Federal Judges
Appoint Ambassadors
Grant Pardons - Reprieves
ARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCHSUPREME COURT – PURPOSE – INTERPRET THE LAW
Section 1: Supreme Court & Creating Lower Courts
Section 2: Powers of the Supreme Court (Types of Cases)
Section 3: Treason & Punishment for Treason
9 Justices – Appointed by the President
Justices serve life terms.
Supreme Court uses the Constitution to make sure government actions
are Constitutional.
ARTICLE IV: RELATIONS AMONG THE STATES
This article establishes what the states agree to do for one another, and what
the federal government will provide to each state.
STATE to STATE
Respect laws, contracts, etc.. Full
Faith & Credit
Extradition – send criminal to
stand trial in other states.
FEDERAL to STATE
Rules for admitting new states to
the Union
Republican form of Government
Protect against invasion
ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS
PROCESS BY WHICH CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO CONSTITUTION
PROPOSAL
Amendments to the Constitution
must be approved by 2/3 of both
houses of Congress to be proposed
(or)
2/3 of the states call for a national
convention for the proposal of an
amendment
RATIFICATION
Amendments must be ratified by ¾
of the State Legislatures
ARTICLE VI: SUPREMACY OF NATIONAL LAW
1. All debts contracted under the Articles of Confederation will be honored by US Government
2. US Constitution, Federal Law, and Treaties are the Supreme Law of the Land (Supremacy Clause)
3. All Federal Public Officials will take an oath to protect and support the Constitution
ARTICLE VII: RATIFICATION
For the Constitution to go into effect, it had to be ratified, approved by
9 of 13 states.
The Bill of Rights: First 10 Amendments
Amendment 1 – Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Petition, & Assembly
Amendment 2 – Right to Bear Arms
Amendment 3 – Quartering of Soldiers
Amendment 4 – Search & Seizure
Amendment 5 – Rights of the Accused
Amendment 6 – Rights to a Speedy, Fair Trial
Amendment 7 – Rules of Common Law
Amendment 8 – Limits on Criminal Punishment
Amendment 9 – Rights Kept by the People
Amendment 10 – Powers of the States
Amendments 11-19
Amendment 11 – Suits Against States
Amendment 12 – Presidential Election Method
Amendment 13 – Slavery Abolished
Amendment 14 – Civil Rights Guaranteed
Amendment 15 – Black voting Rights
Amendment 16 – Income Tax
Amendment 17 – Direct Election of Senators
Amendment 18 – Prohibition
Amendment 19 – Women’s Voting Rights
Amendments 20-27
Amendment 20 – Terms of Office and Presidential Succession (Lame Duck)
Amendment 21 – Repeal of Prohibition
Amendment 22 – Limits on Presidential Terms
Amendment 23 – Electors for the District of Columbia
Amendment 24 – Abolition of Poll Tax
Amendment 25 – Presidential Disability
Amendment 26 – Voting Age
Amendment 27 – Congressional Pay