United States Constitution James Madison — the

United States Constitution

James Madison - the fourth President of the United States (1809– 1817). He played a major part in writing the Constitution. He became known as the Father of the Constitution. The Constitution was written in 1787 in Philadelphia.

Page one of the original copy of the Constitution

The basic structure of the Constitution is: The Preamble - states the purpose and the goals of the Constitution The Articles - lay out the specifics for separation of power and rights of each branch of Government 1. Article 1 – Legislative Branch 2. Article 2 – Executive Branch 3. Article 3 – Judicial Branch The Amendments - additions to the Constitution (The Bill of Rights and others)

Preamble "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. “ -The Preamble, the U. S. Constitution

"We the People", as it appears in an original copy of the Constitution.

The 6 Goals of the Government 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Form a More Perfect Union Establish Justice Ensure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the General Welfare Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Seven Basic Principles of The Constitution 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Federalism Republicanism Individual rights

The political system of the USA is divided into three branches: judicial, legislative and executive.

BILL OF RIGHTS - adopted in 1791. Bill of Rights guaranteed freedom of religion; speech; the press. Americans have the right: • to assemble in public places; • to protest government actions; • to demand change.

Constitution Day is September 17