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.