3.3 THE CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE AND ARTICLES
MAIN PURPOSE
• Provides a framework for government
• Highest authority in nation
• Outlines the powers for the branches
• Three main parts:
- Preamble
- 7 Articles
- Amendments
PREAMBLE
• States goals and purposes of
government
• Makes it clear that the government
gets its power from the people and
exists to serve them
SIX PURPOSES - PREAMBLE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To form a more perfect union
To establish justice
To ensure domestic tranquility
To provide for the common defense
To promote the general welfare
To secure the blessings of Liberty to
ourselves and our posterity
Constitution Acronym
• Little
• Emily
• Just
• Saw
•A
• Silly
• Rabbit
ARTICLE I
• Describes Legislative Branch
• Two houses (bicameral)
• Lawmaking authority
• How members will be chosen
• Powers of Congress
• Powers denied to Congress
ARTICLE II
• Executive Branch
• Law Enforcing
• Headed by President and Vice President
• Explains how leaders will be elected and
how they can be removed from office
• Describes their duties and powers
ARTICLE III
• Judicial Branch
• Interpret and apply law
• Calls for a Supreme Court and lower
courts
• Describes the power of federal courts
ARTICLE IV
• All states respect each other’s laws
• Explains the process of creating a new
state
ARTICLE V
• Tells how the Constitution can be
amended (changed)
ARTICLE VI
• Declares that the Constitution is the
“supreme law of the land”
• Claims federal law prevails over state
law
ARTICLE VII
• Declares Constitution would take effect
when 9 states ratified it
INTERPRETING THE CONSTITUTION
• The Necessary and Proper Clause:
gives Congress powers not specifically
listed the Constitution “implied powers”
• Court Decisions
• Congressional & Presidential actions
• Custom
• Your assignment is to come up with
your own acronym to fit the letters
LEJSASR
• “Little Emily Just Saw A Silly Rabbit”
was the class example.
• You are to create your own acronym
and illustrate and color it.
• Write out what each article is about.
#1-7