Chapter 9.1 Basic Principles of the US Constitution

1. Chapter 9.1 Basic Principles of the US Constitution • The Constitution is the foundation on which our government and society are based. • There are 7 Articles! • Articles = sections. • We are going to cover the first 3!

2. U.S. Constitution, Article Iestablishes Legislative Branch • Bicameral ( 2 houses) • Senate and House of Representatives • Senate • 100 members • 2 from each state • 6 year terms in office • House of Representatives • 435 members • Based on population • 2 year terms in office

3. U.S. Constitution, Article IIestablishes Executive branch • Led by President of the United States • Approves or vetoes laws made by Congress • Appoints federal court judges • Negotiates treaties with foreign nations • Commander in Chief • Of all branches of the military in the United States • Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force

4. U.S. Constitution, Article IIIestablished Judicial Branch • Supreme Court • Interprets the meaning of laws • Rules whether laws passed by Congress are constitutional or not • Rules whether POTUS has acted accordingly • Done when Congress tries to impeach POTUS • Vote to remove president from office.

5. U.S. Constitution, Article IV • Gives ‘full faith and credit’ to each States • Forces other states to recognize all government acts done by any state • Drivers license • Marriage documents • Birth records

6. U.S. Constitution, Article V • Congress can propose Amendments to the US Constitution with 2/3 votes by States. • There are 27 amendments today added to the US Constitution! • Can you name any?

7. U.S. Constitution, Article VI • All debts owned by America at time of ratification will be recognized and must be paid back. • Also, stipulates that the US Constitution is the ‘supreme law of the land’ • Even over any state Constitutions.

8. U.S. Constitution, Article VII • Stipulates 9 out of 13 states must sign the Constitution in order for it to be ratified.

9. So, why does the Constitution work? • It separates each branches powers! • No one holds “too much” power • Legislative branch makes the laws • Executive branch carries out the laws • Judicial branch interprets the laws

10. Checks and Balances • US Constitution prevents the abuse of power by one branch of government by another. • How? • Checks and balances • Each government has a power over the another.

12. Powers of the federal government given by the Constitution • Called delegated powers: • Powers written specifically in the Constitution • Make money • Maintain military • Establish foreign policy • Declare war on other countries

13. Powers Given to State Governments by the US Constitution • Reserved Powers • Powers given directly to state governments • Examples: • Regulate trade within a state • Establish local governments • Conduct local elections • Establish public school systems

14. Powers shared by federal and state governments • Concurrent Powers • Powers that the federal and state governments share. • Examples: • Both federal and states can: • Establish and enforce laws • Collect taxes • Borrow money

15. Review Questions • Which branch is established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution? • Which branch can declare war on another country? • What are delegated powers? • What are reserved powers?