Overview of the U.S. Constitution Lecture

Introduction

• Presenter: Professor Kinto
• Objective: Provide a brief overview of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on its structure.
• Key Tasks of the Constitution:
  • Establishes government.
  • Provides operating instructions for the government.

Importance of the Constitution

• Foundational Law: Governs both state and national governments.
• Supreme Law of the Land: All states, upon joining the Union, pledge allegiance to it.
• Amendment Process: Challenging due to requirement of three-fourths of state approval.

Historical Context

• Drafted: 1787
• Functional: 1789
• Purpose: Establish security and continuity of the government.
• Interpretation: U.S. Supreme Court is responsible for interpretation and application in specific cases.

Structure of the Constitution

Articles Overview

1. Article 1: Legislative Branch

   • Establishes Congress, divided into two parts.

2. Article 2: Executive Branch

   • Establishes the role of the President; discusses executive powers.

3. Article 3: Judicial Branch

   • Establishes the Supreme Court and inferior courts.

4. Article 4: States' Relations

   • Discusses the role and power of states within the federal system.

5. Article 5: Amendment Process

   • Details the process for amending the Constitution.

6. Article 6: Supremacy Clause

   • Declares the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

7. Article 7: Ratification

   • Addresses the initial ratification process of the Constitution.

Amendments

• Total Amendments: 27
• Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10): Ratified in 1791, two years post Constitution ratification.
• Subsequent Amendments: 17 more amendments have been added since 1791.

Conclusion

• Overall Layout: The Constitution’s structure is straightforward.
• Future Study: Will delve into specific articles and amendments in detail throughout the semester.