The United States
Constitution
3 Parts
1. Intro….Goals (Preamble)
2. Body….Process (Articles)
3. Amendments….Changes (27 Amendments)
Goals
• Called the Preamble
– A brief introductory statement to the Constitution
that lists the purpose of this document and our
government.
– “We the people!”
WIEIPPSD
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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.
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Body
• The body describes what the purpose, and
procedures of each branch of government is.
• Most commonly the Body is referred to as
“The Articles”
• There are 6 Articles, each very specifically
defined
Article 1 of the Body
• Article 1 deals with the Legislative Branch (also
known as Congress)
• Congress is in charge of making the laws of this
country
• It is made up of 2 Houses
– House of Representatives
– Senate
Article 2
Article 2 of the Body
• Article 2 deals with the Executive Branch (also
called the Presidency)
• The Executive Branch is in charge of making
sure all laws are carried out or executed
Article 3
Article 3 of the Body
• Article 3 of the Body deals with the Judicial
Branch of Government
• The Judicial Branch is also called the courts
and is charge of making sure the laws made
are fair and Constitutional
Other Articles
Articles 4, 5 and 6
• The other 3 articles deal with
–Amending the Constitution
–Debts, Supremacy and Oaths
–Ratification of Constitution
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The Amendments
• Are a list of changes and adoptions to the
rights that citizens have in this country.
• The first 10 amendments are called “The Bill
of Rights”
• Amendments meet the changing needs of
society
• There were 17 more amendments added after
the 10 Bill of Rights (making 27 in all).
Amendments
• Amend means to change: add, repeal, adjust
First: Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly and
Petition
Second: Right to Bear Arms
Third: No quartering of soldiers
Fourth: No Right to Search and Seize w/o Warrant
Fifth: Self Incrimination and Double Jeopardy
Sixth: Right to Speedy Trial and Face Accuser
Seventh: Right to Trial by Jury
Eighth: No excessive Bail or Fines