Chapter 3 Section 3
Structure of the Constitution
Vocabulary
• Preamble – opening statement of a document;
opening section of the US Constitution
• Framers – delegates that attended the
Constitutional Convention
• Amendments- Changes to a document,
Changes to the Constitution
• Bill of Rights – written list of rights, 1st 10
amendments to the Constitution
• Income Tax – Tax on peoples earnings
• Necessary and Proper Clause – Allows congress to
use powers not specifically written in the
constitution if it is for the benefit of the country
• Implied Powers – Powers congress has that are not
specifically written in the Constitution
• Loose Interpretation – congress can make any laws
not specifically forbidden by the constitution
• Strict Interpretation – congress may only act on
laws specifically mentioned in the constitution
• Impeach – a government official is accused of
wrong doing
1. What is the main purpose of the
United States Constitution?
• To provide a framework for American
Government
2. What are the 3 parts to the
constitution?
• Preamble
• 7 Articles
• 27 Amendments
3. What are the 1st 3 words of the
Constitution? What does that show?
• “We the People”
• The power of the government comes from the
citizens
4. What are the 6 purposes of
government according to the
preamble of the Constitution?
• “To form a more perfect union”- to unite the states
• “To establish Justice” – create fair laws
• “To insure domestic tranquility” – maintain peace
within our country
• “To provide common defense” – provide a military to
protect against foreign attack
• “To promote the general welfare” – help citizens
live healthy happy lives
• “To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and
posterity” – guarantee of basic rights generation
after generation
5. What are the 1st 3 articles of the
Constitution about?
• The 3 branches of government
Their powers, limitations, and expectations
6. What branch of government did the
framers intend to lead the
government?
• Legislative Branch
7. Who leads the executive branch?
• The president
8. What is the name of the one court
that is set up by the Constitution?
• The Supreme Court
9. What does Article IV deal with?
• How to become a state
• Respect between states
• Promise of protection for the states
10. What does Article V allow to
happen to the Constitution?
• It allows for amendments
• The constitution can be changed as necessary
and proper
• Known as the elastic clause
11. What does Article VI say about
federal law?
• Federal law stands above state law.
12. According to Article VII when did
the Constitution take effect?
• When 9 states ratified it
13. When was the Bill of Rights added
to the Constitution?
• 1791
14. What did the 16th amendment
allow the federal government to do?
• Collect income tax
15. How many amendments are there
to the Constitution?
• 27
16. What are the 2 steps to amending
the Constitution?
• Proposal
• Ratification
17. How can an amendment be
proposed?
• Congressional Action – 2/3 of both houses of
congress must support it
• National Convention – a special meeting of
2/3 of the states has to be requested
18. ¾ of the states must ratify an
amendment before it takes effect,
what are 2 ways they can do this?
• It goes to vote in state legislature
• Special state conventions could be held.
19. What group has the final say when
interpreting the Constitution?
• The Supreme Court