““The Structure of the Constitution”The Structure of the Constitution”

Learning goal:Learning goal:SWBATSWBAT

interpret the intentions of the interpret the intentions of the preamblepreamble

““Supreme Law of the Land”Supreme Law of the Land”

““Supreme Law of the Land”Supreme Law of the Land”

The “U.S. Constitution” is the highest authority in the nation.

All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document.

Three Parts of the ConstitutionThree Parts of the Constitution Preamble - Introduction or Goals of the Constitution

The 7 Articles - (LEJ RASR): Body of the Constitution

The 27 Amendments - Changes to the Constitution

The “Preamble” The “Preamble” videovideo

““Preamble” Preamble” The introduction to our Constitution is The introduction to our Constitution is

called the called the PreamblePreamble.. “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 phrases “We the People” illustrates the people rule! this is known as popular sovereignty, and the government gets it

power from the people – This portion of the Constitution lists the six goals of our

government.

Goal #1: Goal #1: To Form a more To Form a more perfect Unionperfect Union

To unite the states more effectively so they can operate as a single nation, for the good of all

Goal #2: Goal #2: To establish JusticeTo establish Justice

To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally.

Goal #3: Goal #3: To insure domestic To insure domestic TranquilityTranquility

To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and property safe from harm.

Goal #4: Goal #4: To provide for the To provide for the common defensecommon defense

To be ready militarily to protect the country and it’s citizens from outside attack.

Goal #5: Goal #5: To promote the general To promote the general WelfareWelfare

To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

Goal #6: Goal #6: To secure the Blessings of To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our PosterityLiberty to ourselves and our Posterity

To guarantee the freedom and basic rights of all Americans, including future generations (“posterity”). video

In order to carry out these goals, we the people ordain (declare or decree) this as our plan for government – our constitution!

The “Articles” The “Articles” videovideoLists the functions and purposes of the Lists the functions and purposes of the

governmentgovernment

Article I – “L”Article I – “L”Article I establishes the Legislative

Branch (U.S. Congress).It creates the “Senate” and the “House of

Representatives”.Congress has the task of “making laws”.Only Congress can declare war or coin

money.

Article II – “E”Article II – “E”Article II establishes the Executive

Branch (U.S. President & Vice President).It establishes procedures for electing the

president and vice presidentPresident has the task of “carry out laws”.

Article III – “J”Article III – “J”Article III establishes the Judicial Branch

(Supreme Court and lower courts).

Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws

Article IV – “R”Article IV – “R”Article IV establishes the relations of the

states and the rights of citizens.It establishes “good will” among states.Promises U.S. protection of the states.

Article V – “A”Article V – “A”Article V discusses the Amending the

Constitution To amend (or change) allows the

Constitution to change with the times.We currently have 27 Amendments“Bill of Rights” are the first 10

amendments

Article VI -- “S” Article VI -- “S” Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of

the Constitution.The Constitution is the highest authority

in the land.If state law contradicts the Constitution,

the Constitution wins.

Article VII – “R”Article VII – “R”Article VII discusses the “ratification” of the Constitution.To Ratify means to Approve

It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect.