Chapter ThreeThe Constitution and the People

Preamble

Lists the goals and purposes of the Federal govt.A more perfect unionEstablish justiceInsure domestic tranquility…

Main Body

Consists of Seven major articlesArticle I Sets limits on powers of

governmentfocuses on legislative branch

Article II

II – Focuses on executive Branch

How pres & VP are chosenPowers, duties & obligations

of Pres. & V. Pres.

Article III

III focuses on Judicial Branch

Provides for supreme courtDefines kinds of cases court can hear

Article IV

IV focuses on relations between states & national government

Article V

V Focuses on the ways in which the Constitution may be amended

Article VI

Public debtssupremacy of national lawOaths of office

Article VII

VII – ratification process that put Constitution into effect

Principles of Government

Principle of constitutionalism

powers of people running govt. are limited by set of laws they must obey

Constitution is a contract

Between us and Gov.Based on powers of gov.Also rights and duties as citizens

Principle of Limited Govt.

Government is given the power to only do certain things

Principle of Constitutional supremacy

Constitution and national laws are superior to state laws & constitutions

Principle of Rule of Law

Both the ruler and ruled are bound by the same laws & have same rights

Principle of Popular Sovereignty

Gov. gets authority from the people & function with their consent

Principle of Separation of Powers

Powers are divided among legislative, executive and judicial branches

Principle of Checks and Balances

Each branch can check the powers of the other two

Principle of Judicial Review

Courts have the power to decide whether a law or executive action is Constitutional