unit 2: the constitution structure of the constitution
TRANSCRIPT
Unit 2:The Constitution
Structure of the Constitution
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution
Notes:• The Constitution of the
U.S., is relatively brief compared to other developed nations. But this doesn’t mean that it is ineffective. It does a great job of outlining how government should function in a concise manner.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:Introduction to the Structure of the Constitution (cont’d.)
Notes:• The Constitution is
divided into 3 parts:1. Preamble2. Articles3. Amendments
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Preamble
Notes:• The preamble is the
introduction to the Constitution and outlines what our Founders wanted to accomplish in our new government. (Much like a thesis statement)
• The objective of our American Government is: “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.”
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Articles
Notes:• There are 7 Articles in
the Constitution giving different aspects of the government, their respective powers.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Articles (cont’d.)
Notes:• The Articles include:– Article I: Legislative Branch– Article II: Executive Branch– Article III: Judicial Branch– Article IV: States Rights
and Responsibilities– Article V: How to Amend
the Constitution– Article VI: The Supremacy
Clause– Article VII: Ratification
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Amendments
Notes:• The Amendments are formal
changes to the constitution. The 1st 10 amendments are referred to as the Bill of Rights and they are:– 1st Amendment: Freedom of speech,
the press, and assembly.– 2nd Amendment: The right to bear
arms.– 3rd Amendment: Government cannot
force citizens to shelter soldiers.– 4th Amendment: Protects against
illegal search and seizure.– 5th Amendment: Habeas Corpus, due
process, protection from self incrimination, double jeopardy, and imminent domain.
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Amendments (cont’d.)
Notes:– 6th Amendment: Right to a
fair and speedy trial/representation.
– 7th Amendment: Right to trial by jury in federal courts.
– 8th Amendment: No cruel/unusual punishment.
– 9th Amendment: Covers any unlisted basic human rights.
– 10th Amendment: Any powers not specifically given to the federal government, are state powers.
7.
8.
9.
9.
10.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Amendments (cont’d.)
Notes:• Other Amendments include:– 11th Amendment: Establishes the
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.– 12th Amendment: Establishes the
Electoral College for presidential elections.
– 13th Amendment: Abolishes slavery.
– 14th Amendment: Gives equal protection under the law.
– 15th Amendment: Gives voting rights to all male citizens.
– 16th Amendment: Establishes the federal income tax system.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Amendments (cont’d.)
Notes:• 17th Amendment: Establishes
popular vote for senators.• 18th Amendment: Establishes
prohibition (ban on alcohol).• 19th Amendment: Gives
women the right to vote.• 20th Amendment: Sets terms
for the president and members of Congress.
• 21st Amendment: Ends prohibition.
Formal & Informal Changes to the Constitution:
Main Idea:The Amendments (cont’d.)
Notes:• 22nd Amendment: Establishes
term limits for the president.• 23rd Amendment: Washington
D.C. gains electoral votes.• 24th Amendment: Ends poll
taxes.• 25th Amendment: Clarifies
presidential succession. • 26th Amendment: Lowers the
voting age to 18.• 27th Amendment: Legislators can
give themselves raises in election years.