THE CONSTITUTION
How The Constitution Is Set Up
• The Constitution is divided into:
– Articles
– Sections
– Clauses
– Amendments
Article 1: Legislative Branch
Article 2: Executive Branch
Article 3: The Judicial Branch
Article 4: Relations Among States
Article 5: Provisions For Amendments
Article 6: Public Debts, Supremacy of
National Law, Oath of Office
Article 7: Ratification
Amending the Constitution
• There Are 2 Ways To Perceive Amendments To
The Constitution
– Formal
– Informal
There is only one Amendment that cannot be made.
No Amendment Can Deprive A State of Equal
Representation in the Senate.
Formal Amendments
• Formal means to add written words to the
constitution.
– Method 1: 2/3rds vote in each House and Ratified by
3/4ths of State Legislatures (38 States). 26 of 27 have
been made this way.
– Method 2: Proposed by Congress and Ratified by 3/4ths
state conventions. 21st Amendment was done this way.
– Method 3: Proposed by National Convention called by
congress at 2/3rds States request and ratified by 3/4ths of
the State Legislatures.
– Method 4: Proposed and ratified by national convention in
3/4ths of the states.
Informal Amendments
• Informal Amendments – Changes in the
constitution that does not involve any changes in
the written words.
– Passage of basic legislation by congress
– Actions taken by the President – Executive
Agreements
– Decisions by the Supreme Court – Marbury vs.
Madison
– Activities of Political Parties – Nomination of President
by Convention
– Customs – Vice- President becomes President