7.1 Intro to the Constitution in Action

Intro to the
Constitution in
Action

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Lesson Overview

• Students Will Be Able To:
o Identify the purpose of the Articles of the Constitution.
o Explain how the Constitution was designed to address some of the
main concerns of the Framers.
• Vocabulary:
o Article IV (4), Article V (5), Article VI (6), Article VII (7), Precedence

Remember Where We Started...

• In writing the Constitution the Framers needed to overcome
these issues/obstacles that were not addressed well enough
by the Articles of Confederation (AOC):
oWeak National Government
oState Sovereignty
oRegional Factions
oFederalists and Anti-Federalists

Essential Question- How does the U.S Constitution continue to provide a framework for the American government today?

Remember
how we said
before that the
Constitution is
the "Blueprint"
or the "Rules"
of the
country!!

Articles I (1), II (2), and III (3)

• The "Framers" created a government with three parts that all work separately
but together and can check one another's powers
oArticle I- The Legislative Branch
oArticle II- The Executive Branch
oArticle III- The Judicial Branch
• The Framers wanted a government that would be thoughtful and debate ideas
before acting

Multiple Select

What features did the Framers install in the Constitution so that government officials make thoughtful and just laws? **Select the 3 that apply.

• Bicameral legislature that requires cooperation between the chambers to pass laws

• Separate branches of government that must cooperate to govern

• Using the popular vote to elect ALL officials

• System of checks and balances to ensure no branch becomes too powerful

The U.S. Constitution | Constitution Center

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Article IV (4) - Upholds Federalism

• This was included to help the states not be
overpowered by the national (federal)
government
• Sections 1 and 2
oStates are required to recognize one another's laws
(Full Faith and Credit Clause)
oSo, a driver's license or high school diploma from one state is recognized by others
oReturn a person accused of a crime to the state that has accused them
• Sections 3 and 4
oDeals with the states and the federal government
oGrants the federal government the power to admit
new states, defend the states and, maintain a
republican form of government

Article V (5) -Amendment Process

• To change the Constitution, you must have an
amendment, and this is spelled out in Article 5
• You must have-
oAt least two-thirds of both houses of Congress or
two-thirds of the states are required to propose an
amendment.
oAt least three-fourths of the state legislatures or
constitutional conventions are required to ratify an
amendment.
• Can also be used to change laws or flaws in the
Constitution
oAmendments 13-14-15 (Civil Rights Amendments)

Multiple Choice

How has Article V been used to make the Constitution responsive to change?

• To delete sections of the Constitution that are no longer necessary

• To ensure Constitutional changes are only made by the executive branch

• To reflect the needs of the changing society/make corrections

Dropdown

In ​

Select answer

the amendment process is stated. Congress can ​

Select answer

an amendment with 2/3rds of votes. Amendments must have ​

Select answer

of votes to ​

Select answer

them into law.

Article VI (6)- Supreme Law of the Land

• Establishes the Constitution as the "Supreme
Law" of the land as stated by the Supremacy
Clause
oStates that the Constitution takes Precedence-
priority over all other laws
• So, remember that all states have their own
Constitutions, but the U.S. Constitution is the
"Law of the Land"

•Point to Ponder- Why do you think
that they worded the language in
Article 6 this way?

Essential Question- How does the U.S. Constitution continue to provide a framework for the American government today?

• The Constitution is slow to change because the Framers
wanted to force factions to compromise and agree before
acting rashly.

• The Constitution has changed since 1787 to provide a way
to correct flaws and reflect the changing needs of society.

• Although states have the right to make their own laws
under federalism, the Constitution is the supreme law of
the land and takes precedence over all other laws.