The constitution structure
- 1. The Constitution Structure and Principles
- 2. The Preamble • The Introductory Paragraph – We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.
- 3. Seven Articles Article I: The Legislative Branch Article II: The Executive Branch Article III: The Judicial Branch Article IV: Relations among States Article V: Amending the Constitution Article VI: The Supremacy Clause Article VII: Ratification of the Constitution
- 4. Major Principles • Popular Sovereignty • Federalism • Separation of Power • Checks and Balances • Judicial Review • Limited Government
- 6. Powers of Congress • Enumerated Powers: Numbered 1-18 – Powers of Congress expressed in the Constitution. • Elastic Clause – Ability of Congress to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out functions of government. • Supported by Supreme Court in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
- 7. Powers of the President • Powers are vague • Specific Powers – Commander in Chief – Appointments – Pardons – Treaties – State of the Union – Executive Powers
- 8. Powers of the Courts • Federal Courts vs. State Courts – Who has jurisdiction (the right to try offenses)? • Judicial Review – Power of the Court to review any law in order to establish its Constitutionality. –Power was granted in Marbury v Madison (1803).