Main Ideas
This section of the Constitution lists the reasons why it was established.
The preamble.
This Article of the Constitution explains the Executive branch.
Article 2 (II)
According to this key concept, the government is divided into branches with separate and independent powers.
Separation of Powers
This branch makes laws.
Legislative
These include 27 changes made to the Constitution
Amendments
This article of the Constitution explains the Judicial branch.
Article 3 (III)
According to this key concept, power is shared by the national and state governments
Federalism
This branch enforces laws.
Executive
This Article of the Constitution explains the Legislative branch.
Article 1 (I)
Article 7 explains this process.
The Ratification Process.
According to this key concept, a government's power is restricted by laws in order to protect individual rights and liberties.
Limited Government
This branch interprets laws and/or decides if they are constitutional.
Judicial
The Amendment Process, or how changes can be made to the Constitution, is discussed in this article.
Article 5 (V)
This article defines the relationship between the states and the federal government.
Article 4 (IV)
According to this key concept, the government's power comes from the consent of the people, who have the right to change the government if it goes against their will.
Popular Sovereignty
This branch includes the Senate and House of Representatives (Congress).
Legislative
The Constitution has this many Articles.
7
This article of the Constitution asserts the supremacy of the Constitution in establishing laws and treaties, clarifying that state and individual laws cannot overrule or contradict the Constitution. It also addresses the oath that members of government must take before serving but specifies that no religious test shall ever be required.
Article 6 (VI)
According to this key concept, citizens are represented by elected officials rather than participating directly in the government.
Republicanism
This branch includes Supreme Court and other federal courts.
Judicial.