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The Principles of the United States Constitution

The Principles of the United States Constitution. Establishing a Government. The first Constitution was called “ The Articles of Confederation ”. It had many problems (weak national government) so it was revised at “ The Constitutional Convention ”

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The Principles of the United States Constitution

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  1. The Principles of the United States Constitution

  2. Establishing a Government • The first Constitution was called “The Articles of Confederation”. • It had many problems (weak national government) so it was revised at “The Constitutional Convention” • The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787 • Rhode Island sent no one……why?.

  3. Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan • Virginia Plan called for a strong national government (collect taxes, make laws, enforce laws in court). It also wanted to establish a House of Representatives. • New Jersey Plan was formed to protect the interest of small states. Continue the government under the Articles of Confederation.

  4. Who WON????? • The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) established a bicameral Congress. • The Great Compromise passed by a single vote. • The new Constitution was approved on September 28, 1787 and sent to states to ratify.

  5. I. Popular Sovereignty • Define REPUBLIC • The people hold the ultimate authority • A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them. • Phil Gingrey (District 11) is our elected official in Congress

  6. II. Limited Government • Framers wanted to guard against tyranny • Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution. • The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

  7. III. Federalism • The division of power between State and National Governments • Some powers are shared • The National Government has the “supreme power”

  8. IV. Separation of Powers • No one holds “too much” power • Legislative branch makes the laws • Executive branch carries out the laws • Legislative branch interprets the laws

  9. Venn Diagram Legislative Executive Judicial

  10. Legislative Branch • Senate and House of Representatives • Make our laws • Appropriate Money • Regulate Immigration • Establish Post Offices and Roads • Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation • Declare War

  11. Executive Branch • The President of the United States • Chief Executive • Chief of State • Chief Legislator • Commander in Chief

  12. Judicial Branch • Supreme Court and other Federal Courts • Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution • Considers cases involving national laws • Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

  13. V. Checks and Balances • Prevents the abuse of power in government • Each branch can check each other branch

  14. Executive Checks • Propose laws to Congress • Veto laws made by Congress • Negotiate foreign treaties • Appoint federal judges • Grant pardons to federal offenders

  15. Legislative Checks • Override president’s veto • Ratify treaties • Confirm executive appointments • Impeach federal officers and judges • Create and dissolve lower federal courts

  16. Judicial Checks • Declare executive acts unconstitutional • Declare laws unconstitutional • Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional • The Supreme Court holds the final check

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