4. Preamble
The Preamble is an introduction.
The Preamble sets 6 goals
1. To form a more perfect union
2. Establish Justice
3. Insure Domestic Tranquility
4. Provide for the Common Defense
5. Promote the General Welfare
6. Secure the Blessings of Liberty
5. Form a more perfect union
The States need to work together as a unified nation.
12. Preamble Goals
Preamble Goal What does it mean ?
Form a more perfect union The States need to work together as a unified
nation.
Establish Justice To create laws and a system to solve disputes
Insure Domestic Tranquility To make sure we have peace in our homes
Provide for the Common Defense To be able to raise armies for our defense
Promote the General Welfare To make sure we are happy and healthy
Secure the Blessings of Liberty To make sure we are a free country
13. The Articles
There are 7 Articles in the Constitution
The first 3 set up the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches of government.
The 4th deals with state relations
The 5th allows us to amend or change the
Constitution
The 6th sets the Constitution as the Supreme
Law and more important than state laws.
The 7th allows us to ratify or accept the
Constitution
14. Amendments
The First 1o are called the Bill of
Rights (1791)
After that there have been 17 more
Amendments to the Constitution
15. Seven Basic Principles
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Republicanism
Individual Rights
16. Popular Sovereignty
Ideas started to change from a king ruling to
the people ruling, “We the people…”
People have the right
to alter/abolish their government
The people hold ultimate authority
17. Limited Government
Wanted to avoid tyranny of a king in new government
The government only has the powers the Constitution gives
it
EVERYONE must obey the law
19. Checks and Balances
Why is it important to have a government system
where there are checks and balances?
Safeguard against abuse of power
Each branch has power to check/limit the actions of
the other 2
20. Federalism
Division of power between federal
government and states
Powers not given to federal government
belong to states
21. Republicanism
Citizens elect representatives to carry
out their will
Once in office can vote how they
wish, but need to keep the peoples views
in mind