Preamble and Clauses

The Preamble & Schoolhouse Rockhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIKhR

ERqPS4

Structure of ConstitutionPreamble – opening paragraph of Constitution which

states the purpose of the Constitution- Constitution begins with the words “We the people” to show that the new government was of the

people, not the state

Articles – outlines powers of the national government in the Constitution

Amendments – changes made to the original Constitution

Six Reasons Why Constitution Was Written1) “To Form a More Perfect Union” –

stronger central government than what existed under the Articles of Confederation

2) “Establish Justice” – Fair treatment and rules/rights of people accused of crimes

3) “Insure domestic tranquility” – settle disputes between states and national government

Six Reasons Why Constitution Was Written4) “Provide for the Common Defense” –

protect state and vital US interests

5) “To promote the general welfare” – stable, responsive government to raise standard of living in each state

6) “Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity” – protect our natural rights throughout our nation’s history

Articles of the ConstitutionARTICLES ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Article I defines the Legislative Branch, its powers, members, and workings.

Article II defines the Executive Branch, its powers, duties, and impeachment

Article III defines Judicial Branch and treason

Article IV regulates state powers and interaction with the federal gov’t.

Article V Article of the Constitution that sets up the amendment process

Article VI Constitution is supreme law of the land

Article VII addresses ratification process of Constitution

Clauses of the ConstitutionClause Subject

Commerce “Power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, borrow and coin money, declare war, maintain standing army, create post offices

Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Congress can make laws necessary for the execution of their powers

Equal Protection (Due Process) nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process or equal protection of law

Clauses of the ConstitutionClause Subject

Reserved Powers powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states

Establishment Congress is prohibited from establishing a national religion

Ex Post Facto can’t accuse person of crime if no previous law existed at the time of the crime