Outlining the Constitution

Clause

Definition

Section

Big Idea

Article

Instructions: Examine the text of the Constitution to identify two examples of the each Big
Idea in action. One example for each Big Idea is provided for you as a guide. Complete the
table with a quote from the Constitution and its location. Then rephrase the quote in your
own words to hone in on its meaning. There will be multiple correct answers for each Big
Idea.

V
1 2
I

Limited
Governme
nt

Republica
nism

A principle of
constitutional
government; a
government whose
powers are defined
and limited by a
constitution.

A form of government
when citizens elect
representatives to
govern for them.

Quote
This Constitution, and the
Laws of the United States
shall be the supreme Law
of the Land

Rephrase in your own words

The Constitution is the ultimate
authority for citizens, officials,
and states; in cases of conflict
between state and federal law,
federal law is applied.

The Congress shall have

l 8 1

I 2 1

Power To lay and collect

Taxes, Duties, Imposts and
Excises, to pay the Debts
and provide for the common
Defense and general
Welfare of the United States;
but all Duties, Imposts and
Excises shall be uniform
throughout the United
States
The House of
Representatives shall be
composed of Members
chosen every second Year

The congress has authority to

collect taxes, pay debts and
provide defense if brought to the
United States of America

The House of Representatives is

composed of members elected
by the people of the states.

by the People of the several

States, and the Electors in
each State shall have the
Qualifications requisite for
Electors of the most
numerous Branch of the
State Legislature.

Checks
and
Balances

Federalis
m

l 4 1

The Times, Places and

Manner of holding Elections
for Senators and
Representatives, shall be
prescribed in each State by
the Legislature thereof; but
the Congress may at any
time by Law make or alter
such Regulations

When voting is held for position

like representatives, each states
legislature must vote.

This means that two branches,

the President and Congress (the
Senate), have to agree before a
treaty goes into effect.

A system that allows

each branch of
government to limit
the powers of the
other branches in
order to prevent
abuse of power.

II 2 2

The Executive "shall have

Power, by and with the
Advice and Consent of the
Senate, to make Treaties,
provided two thirds of the
Senators present concur."

1 3 6

The Senate shall have the

sole Power to try all
Impeachments. When sitting
for that Purpose, they shall
be on Oath or Affirmation.
When the President of the
United States is tried

The senate has all power if the

president is not present no
because president is being
trialed.

A system in which
power is divided
between the national

I 8 1
6

To provide for organizing,

arming, and disciplining,
the Militia, and for

The federal government is

responsible for developing a
militia, while the state

governing such Part of

them as may be employed
in the Service of the United
States, reserving to the
States respectively, the
Appointment of the
Officers, and the Authority
of training the Militia
according to the discipline
prescribed by Congress.

and state
governments.

Separatio
n of
Powers

Constitutional
division of powers
among the
legislative, executive,
and judicial branches,
with the legislative
branch making law,
the executive
applying and
enforcing the law,
and the judiciary
interpreting the law.

1 7 1

1. All Bills for raising

Revenue shall
originate in the House
of Representatives;
but the Senate may
propose or concur
with Amendments as
on other Bills.

1
I;
1;
;
II
1
1

All legislative Powers

herein granted shall be
vested in a Congress of the
United States, which shall
consist of a Senate and
House of Representatives.;
The executive Power shall
be vested in a President of
the United States of
America.

ll l

1. The executive Power

governments are responsible for

appointing officers to the militia

Task of bills for raising revenue

is appointed to the H-O-R and
the Senate gets appointed the
Amendments

The legislature makes the laws,

while the executive lead by the
President enforces the laws.

The Executive power is

uncharged by some else

&
ll

shall be vested in a
President of the
United States of
America. He shall
hold his Office during
the Term of four
Years, and, together
with the Vice
President, chosen for
the same Term, be
elected, as follows

compared to the legislative is in

charge from a whole different
team.

Each State shall appoint, in

such Manner as the
Legislature thereof may
direct, a Number of Electors,
equal to the whole Number
of Senators and
Representatives to which the
State may be entitled in the
Congress
Popular
Sovereign
ty

A belief that ultimate

power resides in the
people.

Preambl
e

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,

The Constitution was created by

the people, and the power of the
government is based on the
people.

do ordain and establish this

Constitution for the United
States of America.

ll

1. The House of
Representatives shall
be composed of
Members chosen
every second Year by
the People of the
several States, and
the Electors in each
State shall have the
Qualifications
requisite for Electors
of the most numerous
Branch of the State
Legislature.

The H- O- R is composed of
members chosen every second
year by the people of several
states.