U.S. Constitution

Parts of the Constitution

Part 1: The introduction that outlines the purpose and goals of the Constitution. Part 2: The main body, consisting of seven articles that establish the framework of the U.S. government. Part 3: Changes or additions to the Constitution; there are currently 27 amendments.

ARTICLES in the Constitution

7

AMENDMENTS added to the Constitution

27

Importance of Amendability

Ensures the Constitution remains relevant by allowing changes to meet the needs of a changing society.

Topic of Article 1

Legislative Branch

Topic of Article 2

Executive Branch

Topic of Article 3

Judicial Branch

Popular Sovereignty

The government's power comes from the people.

Separation of Powers

Division of government powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Check and Balances

Each branch can limit the power of the others to prevent abuse.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Branch with Judicial Review Power

Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)

Limited Government

The government has only the powers granted by the Constitution.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Federalism as a Balancing Act

It maintains a balance where states have their own powers but must also follow national laws.

Confederation

A loose alliance of states with a weak central government.

Ways to Amend the Constitution

Proposal by Congress 2/3 vote in both houses and ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures; Proposal by Congress and ratification by 3/4 of state conventions; Proposal by national convention called by 2/3 of states and ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures; Proposal by national convention and ratification by 3/4 of state conventions.

Most Common Way to Amend the Constitution

Proposal by Congress with a 2/3 vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

First Amendment Freedoms

Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly

Protection from Self-Incrimination

5th Amendment.

Amendment dealing with Cruel and Unusual Punishment

8th Amendment

Amendment dealing with Quartering Troops

3rd Amendment

Types of Powers

Exclusive: Only the federal government; Implied: Not explicitly stated but inferred; Inherent: Powers the government has because it is sovereign; Reserved: Powers kept by states; Concurrent: Shared by state and federal governments; Expressed: Directly stated in the Constitution.

Full Faith and Credit

States must recognize other states' laws and legal documents.

Grant

Federal money given to states for specific purposes.

Interstate Compact

Agreement between states, approved by Congress.

Extradition

Returning a fugitive to the state where they committed a crime.

Enabling Act

Congress allows a territory to draft a state constitution.

Ratification

Formal approval of a document or law.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the highest law of the land.

Requirement for Statehood

A state must draft a constitution before becoming part of the U.S.

Land Acquisition from States

The government cannot take land from a state without its consent.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers.

Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause

Elastic Clause.

Steps of Impeachment

1. House of Representatives investigates and votes on articles of impeachment; 2. Senate holds a trial, presided over by the Chief Justice if the President is being impeached; 3. Senate votes.

Northwest Ordinance

A law that established a system for admitting new states to the Union.

Supreme Court case establishing Judicial Review

Marbury v. Madison