Framework &

Underlying Principles of Constitution

Dee Ann Owens

A Glance at the Constitution

• Plan of Government• 4543 words• Living Document• 27 Amendments• Oldest in the World

Parts of the Constitution

• Preamble• Articles• Amendments

Preamble• Goals of the US– Form a more perfect union– Establish Justice– Insure Domestic Tranquility– Provide for the Common

Defense– Promote the General

Welfare– Secure Blessings of Liberty

for ourselves and our posterity

Articles

Explains how government will work

• Article I – Legislative Branch > creates laws

• Article II – Executive Branch > enforces laws

• Article III – Judicial Branch > interprets laws

Articles

Explains how government will work

• Look at Articles I, II, and II

• Just by glancing at the Articles, what differences do you see?

• Why do you think this is?

Articles

• Article IV – Relationships > National to States/State to State

• Article V – Amendment Process

• Article VI – National Supremacy

• Article VII – Ratification Process

Amendments

• 27 Formal Changes• Changes that alter the

wording of the Constitution

• Process to Amend intended to be difficult

Underlying Principles of the Constitution

• Limited Government

• Rule of Law • Separation of

Powers• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balance• Federalism• Republic

National Government Has certain powers and Responsibilities. These are known as Delegated, Expressed or Enumerated Powers. State Governments

have certain powers and responsibilities. These are known as Reserved Powers.

Nat’l Gov’t

State Gov’ts

Definition: power to govern is divided between the national government and state governments with each level having separate powers and sharing some powers

The Nat’l Gov’t and State Gov’ts share some powers. These are known as Concurrent Powers

The Ladder of Laws

Local Laws

State Laws

National LawsUS Constitution

If there is a conflict between a lower level law and an upper level law, the upper level law takes precedence.

FEDERALISM IN ACTION

The Constitution takes precedence overall!

Framework &

Underlying Principles of Constitution

Dee Ann Owens