Name ________________________________________________________________________ Period _________ pg.

# __________

Structure of the Constitution Guided Notes

SS.7.C.3.3 Illustrate the structure and function (three branches of government established in
Articles I, II, and III with corresponding powers) of government in the United States as established
in the Constitution.
What is a constitution? What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

There are 3 parts to the U.S Constitution:

1) _________________________________________
2) _________________________________________
3) _________________________________________

The 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 defence, 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.
What is the Preamble?
Rewrite the Preamble your own words.

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

defence

promote the general Welfare

secure the Blessings of Liberty

to ourselves and our Posterity

Your Words

The Articles
The Constitution contains seven articles, outlining our plan for government. Describe each article
and create a mnemonic device to remember them.
Articl Description
Mnemonic Device
e
I

II

III

IV

VI

VII

The Amendments
How many Amendments to the Constitution are there in total?
What are the first 10 amendments called?
Complete the chart on the amendment process:

Step 1:
Propose

OR

Step 2: Ratify

OR

Amendment
is added to
the
Constitution
!