Overview
This lecture provides a breakdown of the U.S. Constitution—its articles, amendments, core principles, and what each section, clause, and amendment means for government and citizens.
Preamble and Core Principles
- The Preamble states the Constitution’s purpose: creating a just government, ensuring peace, defense, welfare, and liberty for the people.
- "We the People" signals popular sovereignty, meaning the people rule.
Structure of Government
- Powers are divided among three branches: Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Courts).
- Congress (Senate and House) makes laws, the President carries them out, and courts interpret them.
- Checks and balances ensure no branch overpowers others.
Legislative Branch (Article I)
- Congress consists of two chambers: House (population-based) and Senate (two per state).
- House members serve 2-year terms, must be 25+, citizens for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.
- Senate members serve 6-year terms, must be 30+, citizens for 9 years, and live in their state.
- Congress has "enumerated" powers: tax, regulate commerce, declare war, coin money, maintain military, etc.
- Congress cannot grant titles of nobility or pass ex post facto laws or bills of attainder.
- Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states.
Executive Branch (Article II)
- The President and Vice President serve 4-year terms, elected through the Electoral College.
- President must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35, and a resident for 14 years.
- President acts as Commander in Chief, negotiates treaties (with Senate approval), and appoints federal officials.
- The President can be impeached and removed for treason, bribery, or other serious crimes.
Judicial Branch (Article III)
- Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
- Judges serve for life during good behavior and cannot have their pay reduced.
- Federal courts have jurisdiction over constitutional and federal law cases, disputes between states, and more.
Federal and State Powers
- The Constitution is the "supreme law of the land" (Supremacy Clause).
- States must recognize other states' laws and cannot make treaties or coin money.
- New states may be admitted with Congressional approval.
Amendments and Key Rights
- Amendments can be proposed by two-thirds of Congress or states and must be ratified by three-fourths of states.
- The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) secures freedoms: speech, religion, press, assembly, arms, fair trials, and more.
- Later amendments include abolition of slavery (13), citizenship/equal protection (14), voting rights (15, 19, 24, 26), income tax (16), direct election of senators (17), and presidential term limits (22).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Enumerated powers — Powers specifically listed for Congress in the Constitution.
- Separation of powers — Division of government responsibilities into separate branches.
- Checks and balances — System where each branch can limit the others’ powers.
- Impeachment — Process to remove federal officials for misconduct.
- Due process — Legal requirement for fair treatment in the judicial system.
- Supremacy Clause — Establishes federal law as superior to state law.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review all articles and key amendments in your textbook.
- Study the Bill of Rights, focusing on individual freedoms and limitations.
- Complete any assigned readings on landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting these clauses.