Framework &
Underlying Principles of Constitution
Dee Ann Owens
A Glance at the Constitution
• Plan of Government• 4543 words• Living Document• 27 Amendments• Oldest in the World
Parts of the Constitution
• Preamble• Articles• Amendments
Preamble• Goals of the US– Form a more perfect union– Establish Justice– Insure Domestic Tranquility– Provide for the Common
Defense– Promote the General
Welfare– Secure Blessings of Liberty
for ourselves and our posterity
Articles
Explains how government will work
• Article I – Legislative Branch > creates laws
• Article II – Executive Branch > enforces laws
• Article III – Judicial Branch > interprets laws
Articles
Explains how government will work
• Look at Articles I, II, and II
• Just by glancing at the Articles, what differences do you see?
• Why do you think this is?
Articles
• Article IV – Relationships > National to States/State to State
• Article V – Amendment Process
• Article VI – National Supremacy
• Article VII – Ratification Process
Amendments
• 27 Formal Changes• Changes that alter the
wording of the Constitution
• Process to Amend intended to be difficult
Underlying Principles of the Constitution
• Limited Government
• Rule of Law • Separation of
Powers• Popular Sovereignty
• Checks and Balance• Federalism• Republic
National Government Has certain powers and Responsibilities. These are known as Delegated, Expressed or Enumerated Powers. State Governments
have certain powers and responsibilities. These are known as Reserved Powers.
Nat’l Gov’t
State Gov’ts
Definition: power to govern is divided between the national government and state governments with each level having separate powers and sharing some powers
The Nat’l Gov’t and State Gov’ts share some powers. These are known as Concurrent Powers
The Ladder of Laws
Local Laws
State Laws
National LawsUS Constitution
If there is a conflict between a lower level law and an upper level law, the upper level law takes precedence.
FEDERALISM IN ACTION
The Constitution takes precedence overall!
Framework &
Underlying Principles of Constitution
Dee Ann Owens