Download Chapter 3 Section 3 (The Structure of the Constitution)

Chapter 3 Section 3 (The Structure of the
Constitution)
The Constitution and its Parts
1. The Preamble- The opening section of the
constitution. Makes it clear that power comes from
the people.
Also states the six purposes for government. Page 83
“To form a more perfect Union”
“To establish justice”
“To insure domestic tranquility”
“To provide for the common defense”
“To promote the general welfare”
“To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and prosperity.”
2. The Articles
Article 1: The Legislative Branch
-The framers of the Constitution intended the
legislature to take the leading role in government
-Says Congress is made up of 2 Houses.
The Senate
The House of Representatives.
-Also says Congress will have all lawmaking
authority
-It also lists specific powers Congress has such as:
collecting taxes, regulating trade, coining money
and declaring war.
-Congress CAN NOT tax exports or favor one state
over another.
Article II: The Executive Branch-the law
enforcing branch
-explains how the President and Vice President will
be elected and how they can be removed from
office.
-Also includes some of the President’s powers
Article III: The Judicial Branch-interprets the
laws
-also sees that laws are fairly applied
-Calls for one “Supreme Court” as well as lower
courts.
-Also lists powers of courts and cases they may
hear such as cases involving the Constitution,
federal laws and treaties, and disputes between
states.
Articles IV-VII
Article IV-States that all states must respect each
other’s laws, court decisions and records.
-Also explains process for creating new states and
promises federal government will protect and
defend states.
Article V-Specified how amendments or changes
could be made to the Constitution
Article VI- Declares Constitution “Supreme law of
the Land”.
Article VII- Constitution would take effect when 9
states had ratified it.
Amending The Constitution
-Since the Constitution was signed it has been
amended 27 times.
-The first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of
Rights.
The Amendment Process
The Framers of the Constitution made sure it could
not be altered without overwhelming support of the
people.
-There are two steps in amending the Constitution.
Proposal
Ratification
An amendment can be proposed in two ways.
1. Congressional action.
1. A National Convention requested by two thirds of
state legislatures
Once an amendment has been proposed ¾ of the States must ratify
it. Can be done by either a vote of state legislature or special state
convention.
Interpreting the Constitution
The Necessary and Proper Clause
-Allows Congress to exercise powers that are not
specifically listed in the Constitution (Implied Powers)
Interpretation through Court Decisions
-The Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the
Constitution. Every decision they make changes our
government.
Interpretation through Congressional and Presidential
Actions
The President often interprets the Constitution in his own
way and takes action although the Constitution doesn’t direct
him to.
Interpreting through Custom
Our government is constantly changing and most likely
will continue to do so (political parties, etc.)
However the basic structure and principles will remain.