2. The Constitution’s Outline
Preamble
• Purpose:
• Define the broad
purposes of
republican govt.
• Set specific goals for
the nation
• Example:
• “To form a more
perfect Union…” establishes a goal of
cooperation among
the states. Also,
between states and
the national/federal
govt.
Articles
Amendments
• Purpose:
• Establish & define
powers of the 3 main
branches of govt.
• Establish relations
among states, the
supremacy of
national law, and the
amendment process.
• Example:
• Article I establishes
the legislative branch
and lays out the
powers of Congress,
including the power
to make laws.
• Purpose:
• To list formal changes
to the Constitution
and to ensure the
protection of
individual civil
liberties/rights.
• Example:
• 1st Amendment protects freedoms of
religion, speech,
press, assembly, and
petition.
3. Enumerated vs. Implied Powers
Enumerated Powers: powers specifically listed in the
Constitution.
(i.e. Congress is specifically given power to collect taxes)
Implied Powers: powers that stem from Clause 18 of
Section 8 in Article I; not explicitly stated
Allows Congress to make all laws “necessary and proper” for
carrying out its duties.
4. Amending the Constitution
An amendment
proposed in both
houses of Congress
(House/Senate) by a
2/3rds vote.
3/4ths of the state
legislatures ratify
(make official) the
amendment.
5. Principles of the Constitution
Principle
Picture
Summary
Example from
Constitution
Popular
Sovereignty
Power resides with the
people, the people elect
their leaders.
Article I, Section
2, Clause 1:
Members of the
House of
Representatives
are chosen by the
people.
Rule of Law
Government is guided
by laws, rather than by
an individual or group.
Article VI, Section
2: The
Constitution is the
supreme law of
the land.
6. Principles of the Constitution
Principle
Picture
Summary
Example from
Constitution
Separation of
Powers / Checks
& Balances
Power is divided
among 3
government
branches, and a
system of checks
and balances limits
the power of any
one branch.
Article I, Section 7,
Clause 2:
Congress must
present every
proposed law to
the president for
approval before it
becomes a law.
Federalism
Power is divided
between the
central govt. and
the individual,
state/local
governments.
Article V:
Congress can
propose
Constitutional
amendments,
which states must
ratify.
7. Principles of the Constitution
Principle
Picture
Summary
Example from
Constitution
Independent
Judiciary
The judicial branch is
separate to prevent
abuses of power and
influences by the
other two branches.
Article III, Section 1:
Judges hold office for a
life term, and their pay
cannot be lowered
while they are in office.
Individual
Rights
Civil liberties and
basic rights are
guaranteed. Outlined
in Bill of Rights (1st 10
Amendments)
1st Amendment: This
Amendment
establishes that the
govt. cannot take away
freedom of religion,
speech, press,
assembly, or petition.
