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8 Parts of the Constitution
PREAMBLE
Explains why the document is in
existence
Form a more perfect union (1)
Establish justice (2)
Insure domestic tranquility (3)
Provide for the common defense (4)
Promote the general welfare (5)
Secure the blessings of liberty (6)
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ARTICLE I
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Establishes the legislative branch
of government
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House of Representatives
 States with largest populations have the most
representatives
 House members must be 25 years old
 Elected to two year term
 435 members in the House of Representatives
Senate
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Two senators for each state
Senate members must be 30 years old
Elected to six year term
100 senators
ARTICLE II
Establishes the executive branch of
government
 Headed by the president
 Commander-in-chief
 Four year term
 Citizen by birth
 35 years old
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ARTICLE III
Establishes the judicial branch
of government
 Headed by Supreme Court
 Justices nominated by the
president and approved by
Senate
 9 Supreme Court justices,
appointed for life
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ARTICLE III
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ARTICLE IV
Explains the relationship of the
states to one another and to the
federal government
• Each State to honor all others
• Extradition
• Republican government
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ARTICLE V
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Explains how the Constitution can be
amended or changed
Our Constitution is considered a “Living Document”
Because we can add to or take away from the document as
our society changes.
The “Bill of Rights” are the First 10
Amendments or changes to the Constitution
ARTICLE VI
Ensuring national supremacy
The Constitution, laws and
treaties made under the authority
of the United States shall be “The
Supreme Law Of The Land.”
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ARTICLE VII
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Ratifying the Constitution
December 7, 1787:
December 12, 1787:
December 18, 1787:
January 9, 1788:
February 2, 1788:
February 6, 1788:
April 28, 1788:
May 23, 1788:
June 21, 1788:
June 25, 1788:
July 26, 1788:
November 21, 1789:
May 29, 1790:
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Connecticut
Georgia
Massachusetts
Maryland
South Carolina
New Hampshire
Virginia
New York
North Carolina
Rhode Island
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Before the Constitution
could go into effect,
specially called
conventions in at least
nine states had to ratify
or approve it.