The document provides an overview of the US Constitution, outlining its 7 original articles that describe the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the relationship between states and the federal government. It also discusses key principles of federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and enumerated, concurrent, implied and reserved powers. The first 10 amendments form the Bill of Rights. While changing the Constitution is difficult, it remains flexible through interpretation and amendment, with 27 total amendments added since its ratification in 1788.

1. Overview of the Constitution

2. Preamble – States purpose of Constitution
Articles 1 – Describes Legislative
Article 2 – Describes Executive
Article 3 – Describes Judicial
Article 4 – Explains relations among states
Article 5 – The Amendment Process
Article 6 – Supremacy of National Government
Article 7 – Ratification Process

3. *Federalism
*Separation of Powers
*Checks and Balances
*Limited Powers of Government
*Popular Sovereignty
*Republicanism

4. Enumerated Powers – List of specific powers of
Congress defined in Article 1, Section 8 of the
Constitution
Concurrent Powers – Held by both Federal and
State Governments (Like what?)
Reserved Powers – Powers kept by the states
Implied Powers – Powers not specifically
stated, but justified by “necessary and proper”
clause

5.  First 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
 Click here to read the Bill of Rights
 After Bill of Rights, Constitution is finally
ratified when New Hampshire becomes 9th
signee, June, 1788.
 North Carolina and Rhode Island are the last
two states to sign

6. Changing the Constitution is difficult:
 27 total amendments (including the Bill of
Rights)
 US Constitution is considered the world’s
oldest “working” constitution
 A “living document” that can be interpreted by
the Supreme Court and amended, but has
largely remained the same since 1787!