Parts of the Constitution
Highest authority in the nation
-Preamble
-Articles
-Ammendments
Preamble
Opening section
-states goals and purposes of govt.
"We the People of the United States...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Preamble-6 purposes of government
1. "Form a more perfect union"
2. "Establish justice"
3. "Insure domestic Tranquility"
4. "Provide for the common [defense]"
5. "Promote the general Welfare"
6. "Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
Articles
One of several main parts of the Constitution
-describe the way govt. is set up
7 Articles
I. Lawmaking powers of Legislative Branch (Congress House and Senate)
II. Sets out Executive Branch (law enforcing part of govt - pres. & vice-pres and the powers)
III. Sets up Judicial Branch (interprets laws and sees that they're fairly applied) - Supre
The Amendments
Total of 27
- first 10 are the Bill of Rights
-process to add amendment intentionally difficult
-must have overwhelming support of the people
-amendments allow for changing social conditions
-ex: women voting
Ending slavery
Amendment process
2 steps
1. Proposal
2. Ratification
Amendment proposal
2 methods
1. An act of Congress (how all amendments have been done so far)
- a vote of 2/3 members of both houses of congress
2. National convention called by 2/3 of the state legislatures
Amendment Ratification
After proposal
-3/4 of states must ratify it
*voted on by state legislature or special state convention
Only the 21st amendment has been ratified by state convention
Necessary and proper clause
Article I says congress makes all laws that shall be necessary and proper
Leads to implied powers (not directly listed in Constitution)
Ex - laws regarding licensing TV stations
Interpreting the Constituion
-"Loose" or "strict" interpreters
-congress and president also interpret
-Supreme Court has final authority for interpreting Constitution
Amendments
Any change to the Constitution