3.3 Structure of Our Constitution

What are the two methods of ratifying an amendment?

1. By a vote of the state legislature. 2. By a special state convention.

What is the Preamble?

The Preamble is an introduction that states the goals and purposes of the government.

Purpose 3 of Government in the Preamble

To insure domestic Tranquility.

Purpose 2 of Government in the Preamble

T establish Justice.

The central government under the Articles of Confederation

The central government under the Articles of Confederation was weak.

The central government under the Constitution

The central government under the Constitution was strong.

What are the two methods of proposing an amendment?

1. Congressional action- vote of two-thirds of the members of both houses of Congress is required. 2. National convention requested by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

How many Amendments have been made to the US Constitution?

27 Amendments have been made to the US Constitution.

What is an amendment?

An amendment is any change in the Constitution.

How has the interpretation of the Constitution changed through presidential action?

Presidents, such as John Tyler, had to change the Constitution through presidential action to allow them to pass bills and laws or to even become president.

What kinds of powers are given to Congress through the necessary and proper clause?

The Constitution gives Congress the power "to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper" to carry out its duties. These powers are known as "implied powers."

What is created by Article III?

Article III creates the part of government that interprets the laws and sees that they are fairly applied.

What Article outlines the amendment process?

Article V outlines the amendment process.

What is found in Article VI of the Constitution?

Article VI contains a key statement declaring the Constitution the "supreme Law of the Land."

What is a "loose interpretation" of the Constitution?

Congress being allowed to make any laws the Constitution does not specifically forbid.

Who has the power to create lower federal courts?

Congress has the power to create lower federal courts.

What is a "strict interpretation" of the Constitution?

Congress making only the kinds of laws mentioned by the Constitution.

How has the interpretation of the Constitution changed through custom?

Custom has changed the interpretation of the Constitution through political parties.

Article II

Discusses the executive branch.

Article III

Discusses the judicial branch.

Article I

Discusses the lawmaking powers of the legislative branch.

Differences between the branches of government under the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution?

In the Articles of Confederation, there was only a Congress (Legislative). In the Constitution, there is a Congress (Legislative), President (Executive), and Supreme Court and lower federal court (Judicial).

The Executive Branch

The law-enforcing branch headed by a president and vice president.

What is the main purpose of the US Constitution?

The main purpose of the Constitution is to provide a framework for government.

What does the necessary and proper clause allow?

The necessary and proper clause allows Congress to exercise powers not specifically listed in the Constitution.

What is the only Amendment to have been ratified by state convention?

The twenty-first Amendment is the only Amendment to have been ratified by state convention.

What are the two houses of the Congress?

The two houses of the Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What are the two steps of making an amendment to the US Constitution?

The two steps of making an amendment to the US Constitution is proposal and ratification.

In the Preamble, what does the word posterity mean?

The word posterity means future generations.

Purpose 1 of Government in the Preamble

To form a more perfect Union.

Purpose 5 of Government in the Preamble

To promote the general Welfare.

Purpose 4 of Government in the Preamble

To provide for the common defense.

Purpose 6 of Government in the Preamble

To secure blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

What do we call our legislative branch?

We call our legislative branch our Congress.