The Constitution of the
United States
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6
1
Motivation
• The framework for
our government is
over 200 years old.
• Today, you’ll learn
about the
Constitution of the
United States.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
2
Lesson overview
• Why is the Constitution of the United
States a remarkable document?
• What is the Preamble to the
Constitution?
• What are the articles of the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
3
Lesson overview (cont’d)
• What is the role of the legislative branch
of government?
• What is the role of the executive branch
of government?
• What is the role of the judicial branch of
government?
• What is the subject of Article IV of the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
4
Lesson overview (cont’d)
• What is the subject of Article V of the
Constitution?
• What is the subject of Article VI of the
Constitution?
• What is the subject of Article VII of the
Constitution?
• What are the amendments to the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
5
Lesson overview (cont’d)
• What are the three parts of the
Constitution?
• How do the articles of the Constitution
compare to the Articles of
Confederation?
• How is the Constitution amended?
• How is the Constitution interpreted?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
6
Quick Write
How do you think the
Constitution of the
United States protects
your rights and
freedom as an
American citizen?
Write down five ways
the Constitution
protects you.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
7
Why is the Constitution of
the United States a
remarkable document?
• One of the first written constitutions in
modern history
• Strong central government
• Preserved ideals of the Declaration of
Independence
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
8
Why is the Constitution of
the United States a
remarkable document?
(cont’d)
• Created three branches of government
and a process for adding amendments
• Has guided nation’s political leaders for
over 200 years
• Symbol of pride and national unity
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
9
What is the Preamble to the
Constitution?
• The Preamble
• Introduces the Constitution
• States reasons why the government was
established
• Declares that the power of the government
comes from the people
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
10
What are the articles of the
Constitution?
• The Constitution contains seven divisions
called articles.
• Each article covers a general topic.
• Article I creates the legislative branch.
• Article II creates the executive branch.
• Article III creates the judiciary branch.
• Most articles are divided into sections.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
11
What is the role of the
legislative branch of
government?
• The legislative branch of government
was created by Article I.
• Topics of Article I include
• Representation
• Electing senators
• Impeachment
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
12
What is the role of the
legislative branch of
government? (cont’d)
•
Impeach—to accuse government officials of
wrongdoing, put them on trial, and, if necessary,
remove them from office
•
Senate has sole power to try impeachments.
•
Two-thirds must vote for conviction.
•
Conviction results in removal from office.
•
Person cannot hold another U.S. government
office.
•
If convicted, person can be held liable under law.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
13
What is the role of the
legislative branch of
government? (cont’d)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Congressional salaries
Where tax laws begin
How bills become laws
Powers of Congress
Elastic clause
Habeas corpus
Limitations on states
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
14
What is the role of the
executive branch of
government?
• The executive branch of government
was created by Article II.
• Topics of Article II include
• Change of method for electing a president
• Qualifications for office
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
15
What is the role of the
executive branch of
government? (cont’d)
• Vacancies—procedures for presidential
succession
• Salary
• Cabinet
• Presidential powers
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
16
What is the role of the
judicial branch of
government?
• Judicial refers to courts.
• The judicial branch of government was
created by Article III.
• Topics of Article III include
• Setting up the Supreme Court
• Providing for other federal courts
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
17
What is the role of the
judicial branch of
government? (cont’d)
• Judiciary has two different systems of courts.
• Federal courts: Powers derive from U.S.
Constitution and federal laws.
• State courts: Powers derive from state
constitutions and laws.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
18
What is the subject of Article
IV of the Constitution?
• Topic of Article IV is relations among the
states.
• Relationship of states to one another and to
national government
• Admission of new states
• Guarantee that national government will
protect states
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What is the subject of Article
IV of the Constitution?
(cont’d)
• Aristotle defined government by asking
“Who governs?”
• Autocracy—ruled by one person
• Oligarchy—ruled by a few
• Democracy—ruled by many
• Republic—a form of democracy
• Elected representatives make laws and conduct
government.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
20
What is the subject of Article
V of the Constitution?
• Topic of Article V is the amendment
process.
• How the Constitution can be amended, or
changed
• All 27 amendments were proposed by a
two-thirds vote of both houses of
Congress.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
21
What is the subject of Article
VI of the Constitution?
• Topic of Article VI is national supremacy.
• Supremacy clause establishes that the
Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and
treaties of the U.S. will be the “supreme Law
of the Land.”
• Constitution and federal laws prevail when
in conflict with state laws.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What is the subject of Article
VII of the Constitution?
• Topic of Article VII is the ratification of
the Constitution.
• The Constitution would take effect after it
was ratified by nine states.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution?
• The Bill of Rights consists of the first
ten amendments to the Constitution.
• Limits the powers of government
• Protects civil liberties of individuals
• Limits freedoms by consideration of other
individuals’ rights
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment V—Rights of the accused
• Protections for people accused of crimes
• Due process of law
• Government must follow constitutional
procedures in trials and other actions
against individuals.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment VI—Right to a speedy, fair
trial
• Jury must hear witnesses and evidence on
both sides before deciding guilt or innocence
of person charged with crime.
• Legal counsel must be provided to defendant.
• If defendant cannot afford lawyer, one must
be provided by the government.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
26
What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment XII—Elections
• Corrects problem in method of electing
president and vice president
• Provides for the Electoral College to use
separate ballots in voting for president and
vice president
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Civil War Amendments
• Amendments XIII, XIV, and XV
• Amendment XIII—Abolition of slavery
• Amendment XIV—Rights of citizens
• Originally, intended to protect rights of
freed slaves
• Today, protects rights of all citizens
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment XV—Right to vote
• Amendment prohibits government from
denying right to vote based on race.
• Despite law, many states denied African
Americans right to vote.
• Stronger laws were later passed to end
racial discrimination in voting rights.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
29
What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment XVIII—Prohibition
• Prohibited production, sale, or transportation
of alcoholic beverages in the United States
• Was difficult to enforce
• Was later repealed by Amendment XXI, the
only amendment ever passed to overturn an
earlier amendment
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
30
What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment XIX—Woman suffrage
• Guaranteed women the right to vote
• Some women had already won right to vote
in state elections.
• Amendment made their right to vote in state
and national elections Constitutional.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Amendment XXIV—Abolition of poll tax
• Added in 1964
• Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections
• Before this, some states had used such taxes
to keep low-income African Americans from
voting.
• In 1966, the Supreme Court banned poll
taxes in state elections as well.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
32
What are the amendments to
the Constitution? (cont’d)
•
Amendment XXV—The vice president
• Established process for vice president to
take over leadership when president dies,
resigns, or is removed from office.
• Set procedures for filling a vacancy in the
office of vice president
• Was used in 1973, when Vice President
Spiro Agnew resigned from office
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the three parts of
the Constitution?
• U.S. Constitution has three main parts:
• Preamble: opening section
• Articles (7): describe structure of government
• Amendments (27): additions and changes
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Preamble—introduction that states the
goals and purposes of the government
• Tells why the Constitution was written
• Consists of a single, concise sentence
• States that the power of the government
comes from the people
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
35
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Middle of Preamble: six purposes of government
• “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 our
Posterity”
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
36
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• After Preamble, seven articles explain
how government is to work.
• Articles I, II, and III—powers and
responsibilities of each branch of
government
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
37
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Legislative branch of government
• Two houses with all lawmaking authority
• Rules for how members of each house are
chosen
• Rules Congress must follow to make laws
• Powers Congress does and does not have
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
38
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Executive branch of government
• Headed by a president and vice president
• How they are to be elected
• How they can be removed from office
• Presidential powers and duties
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
39
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Judicial branch of government
• Interprets laws
• Ensures that laws are fairly applied
• Calls for creation of Supreme Court and
lower courts
• Lists powers of federal courts
• Describes kinds of cases they may hear
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
40
What are the three parts of
the Constitution? (cont’d)
• Article IV—Relations among the states
• Article V—How Constitution can be
amended
• Article VI—Constitution as the “supreme
Law of the Land”
• Article VII—Constitution would take
effect after ratified by nine states
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
41
How do the articles of the
Constitution compare to the
Articles of Confederation?
• Constitution: legislative branch
• Two houses of Congress
• Equal representation of states in Senate
• Representation according to population in House
of Representatives
• Articles of Confederation: legislative branch
• One house of Congress
• Equal representation of 13 states
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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How do the articles of the
Constitution compare to the
Articles of Confederation?
(cont’d)
• Constitution: executive branch
• President chosen by electors
• Has power to enforce laws, make treaties,
command Armed Forces
• Articles of Confederation: no executive
branch
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
43
How do the articles of the
Constitution compare to the
Articles of Confederation?
(cont’d)
• Constitution: judicial branch
• Supreme Court and lower federal courts
• Have power to interpret laws
• Settle disputes between states
• Articles of Confederation: no judicial branch
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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How is the Constitution
amended?
• Step 1: Proposal
• By Congressional action
• Vote of two-thirds of members of both houses
of Congress
• By national convention
• As requested by two-thirds of the 50 state
legislatures
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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How is the Constitution
amended? (cont’d)
• Step 2: Ratification
• Three-fourths of the 50 states must ratify.
• Two ways to do this
• By vote of state legislature
• By special state convention
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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How is the Constitution
interpreted?
• Changes take place to Constitution
through interpretation.
• Methods of interpretation
• Necessary and proper clause
• Court decisions
• Congressional and presidential actions
• Custom
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
47
Lesson review
• The U.S. Constitution is one of the first
written constitutions in modern history.
• It is a flexible and strong document that
has guided this nation’s leaders for over
200 years.
• The three parts of the Constitution are
the Preamble, the 7 articles, and the 27
amendments.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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Lesson review (cont’d)
• The Preamble introduces the
Constitution, tells why it was written,
and states that the power of government
comes from the people.
• The seven articles explain how the
national government is to work.
• The first three articles describe each
branch of government; the other four
articles address more general matters.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
49
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Article I gives the legislative branch
(Congress) all lawmaking authority.
• Article I also specifies Congress’s
powers, which include collecting taxes,
regulating foreign and interstate trade,
coining money, and declaring war.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
50
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Article II gives the executive branch,
headed by the president and vice
president, authority to enforce the law.
• Article II also describes the president’s
powers and duties, such as
commanding the Armed Forces, dealing
with leaders of other countries, and
appointing certain government officials.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
51
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Article III gives the judicial branch the
authority to interpret the laws and see
that they are fairly applied.
• Article III also lists the powers of the
federal courts, including the Supreme
Court, and describes the kinds of cases
they may hear.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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Lesson review (cont’d)
• Article IV deals with relations among the
states and between the states and the
federal government.
• It says that states must respect each
other’s laws, court decisions, and
records.
• It promises that the federal government
will protect and defend the states.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
53
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Article V describes the process for
amending the Constitution.
• Article VI establishes the Constitution
as the “supreme Law of the Land” and
says that federal law prevails over state
laws or court decisions.
• Article VII says that the Constitution
would take effect after nine states had
ratified it.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
54
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The articles of the Constitution replaced
the Articles of Confederation.
• The amendments are changes to the
Constitution.
• Only 27 amendments have been ratified
in our nation’s history.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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Lesson review (cont’d)
• The first ten amendments, added in
1791, are known as the Bill of Rights.
• Changes have also taken place to the
Constitution through interpretation.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
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Lesson review (cont’d)
• Some people believe in a loose
interpretation of the Constitution; others
believe in a strict interpretation.
• The Supreme Court has the final
authority in interpreting the
Constitution.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
57
Summary
• Why is the Constitution of the United
States a remarkable document?
• What is the Preamble to the
Constitution?
• What are the articles of the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
58
Summary
• What is the role of the legislative branch
of government?
• What is the role of the executive branch
of government?
• What is the role of the judicial branch of
government?
• What is the subject of Article IV of the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
59
Summary (cont’d)
• What is the subject of Article V of the
Constitution?
• What is the subject of Article VI of the
Constitution?
• What is the subject of Article VII of the
Constitution?
• What are the amendments to the
Constitution?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
60
Summary (cont’d)
• What are the three parts of the
Constitution?
• How do the articles of the Constitution
compare to the Articles of
Confederation?
• How is the Constitution amended?
• How is the Constitution interpreted?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
61
Next
Done— The Constitution of the United
States
Next— The Bill of Rights
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 3, Chapter 6, The
Constitution of the United States
62