Economics: Principles in Action - West Ada School District

Presentation Pro Magruders American Government CHAPTER 3 The Constitution 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. An Outline of the Constitution Basic principles of the US Government The Constitution is organized into eight sections: the Preamble and seven articles. The original document is followed by 27 amendments. Go To Section:

1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 1 Articles of the Constitution Section Preamble Subject States the purpose of the Constitution Article I Legislative branch Article II Executive branch

Article III Judicial branch Article IV Relations among the States and with the National Government Amending the Constitution Article V Article VI Article VII Go To Section: National debts, supremacy of national law, and oaths of office Ratifying the Constitution

1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 1 Four of the Basic Principles popular sovereignty Limited government Separation of powers Checks and balances Go To Section: 1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 1 More of the Basic Principles

The principle of judicial review consists of the power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action. Federalism: the powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments. Go To Section: 1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 1 Formal Amendment Process

The four different ways by which amendments may be added to the Constitution are shown here: Go To Section: 1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 2 Amendments to the Constitution Collectively, the first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. They set out many of our basic freedoms. Go To Section: 1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 2

Informal Amendment Processes Informal amendment is the process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word. The informal amendment process can take place by: (1) the passage of basic legislation by Congress; (2) actions taken by the President; (3) key decisions of the Supreme Court; (4) the activities of political parties; and (5) custom. Go To Section: 1 2 3 Chapter 3, Section 3 Executive Action and Court Decisions

Executive Action Presidential actions have produced a number of important informal amendments, such as the use of the military under the power of commander in chief. An executive agreement is a pact made by the President directly with the head of a foreign state. Go To Section:

1 2 3 Court Decisions The nations courts, most importantly the United States Supreme Court, interpret and apply the Constitution in many cases they hear. Chapter 3, Section 3