Nature and Sources

• Origins of the US Constitution

  • Boston Tea Party (1773)
  • Declaration of Independence (1776)
  • War of Independence (1775-83)
• Nature


  It is codified and entrenched
• Framework


  Article I: Legislative branch Article V: Amendments

  Article II: Executive branch Article VI: US

  Article III: Judicial branch Article VII: Ratification

  Article IV: States
• Enumerated Powers


  Powers which are written down explicitly e.g. the president being commander in chief of hate army and the navy
• Implied powers


  Powers which are interpreted from those already laid out in the constitution e.g. the president being commander in chief of the air force