Post on 21-Mar-2021
Structure of the Constitution
Preamble: Meaning ● The preamble is the introduction
to the Constitution.
● It outlines the general goals of the
framers: to create a just
government, insure peace,
provide an adequate national
defense, and promote a healthy,
free nation.
The United States Constitution has three parts.
A Preamble
7 Articles 27
Amendments
The Seven
Articles are the
plan of
government for
the United States.
Article I sets up the
Legislative Branch of
government. It creates the U.S.
Congress.
Only Congress can make federal
laws for the United States.
Article II sets up the Executive
Branch of Government to provide
leadership for the country.
The President is in charge of the
Executive Branch.
Article III sets up the Judicial
Branch of Government. The
Supreme Court is the highest court
in the land.
Article IV tells how the states relate to each
other and to the federal government.
Federal
Government
It also tells how new states may be
admitted to the Union.
Article V tells how the Constitution
may be amended (changed).
Only men can vote.
Men and women can
vote.
Article VI says the Constitution is
the supreme law of the land.
Article VI requires public
officials to take an oath
to support the
Constitution.
It also authorizes
Congress to borrow
money (the national
debt).
Article VII says the Constitution
will be the law if nine states ratify
(accept) it.
All thirteen states ratified the
Constitution between 1787 and
1790!
Delaware was the first state to
ratify the Constitution, and Rhode
Island was the last.
Ratification of the Constitution ● Each state would hold a special convention in order to vote on
constitution
● State delegates elected by people
● Ratification of Constitution required the approval of 9 states.
● Purpose:
1) Bypass state legislatures who would oppose it since Constitution reduced power of states
2) Gave framers time to campaign for delegates in their states who would support ratification
Exit Ticket
How is the idea of “limited government” shown in the way the
Constitution is organized?
Why do you think the Framers wanted a system of limited
government.