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US Constitutional Framework - Powers, Branches, and Rights

Explore the US Constitution, the highest law of the land, which establishes the framework for limited government, separation of powers, and fundamental rights. Discover the powers granted to Congress, the structure of the legislative branch, and the process for amending the Constitution.

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US Constitutional Framework - Powers, Branches, and Rights

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  1. Our Constitutional Framework

  2. The US Constitution is the HIGHEST law of the land • 1) It is a living document (can always change) • 2) basic framework of our gov’t • A) lists gov’ts powers • B) Limits on gov’t powers • C) gives people freedoms that cannot be taken by the gov’t

  3. Limited Government • National gov’t with limited powers with authority to pass laws only in the areas specifically listed in Article 1 of the constitution • Legislative Branch

  4. Article 1 • Section 1: Congress • Senate (states) • House of Reps (people) • Section 2: House of Rep • 1. election & terms of office: every 2 years • 2. Qualifications: must be 25, US citizen for 7 yrs & resident of state • 3. division of rep: based on population/redistributed *fun fact – 3/5 for slaves; no Native Americans • 4. vacancies: filled by special elections by state governor • 5. officers: Speaker of the House (3rd in line)

  5. Article 1 • Section 3: Senate • Elected by the people • 2 per state; 100 total • Elected every 6 years • Need to be 30, citizen for 9 years, resident of state • President of the Senate = Vice President (tie-breaker) • Pre pro Tempore (if VP is absent) • Impeachment – 2/3 vote • Section 4: Elections & Mtgs • Section 5: Organization & Rules of Procedure • Section 6: Privileges & Restrictions • Used to be paid $6 a day • Basic $174,000 • Majority/minority leader $193,400 • Pres. Pro Tempore $223,500 • VP $230,700

  6. Article 1 • Section 7: passing laws • Section 8: powers granted to Congress • Section 9: powers denied to the Federal Gov’t • Section 10: Powers denied to the states

  7. Separation of Powers • Executive – president & federal agencies (enforce law) • Legislative – Congress (makes laws or statutes) • Judicial – Courts (clarifies law) • Checks and Balances – no one branch can be too powerful • veto

  8. Judicial Review • Court can deem a law unconstitutional • 1) gov’t passed a law which the Constitution doesn’t give it the power to pass • 2) or law violates somebody’s rights

  9. State v. Federal Laws State Federal • Varies by state • Ex. License age • Every state has its own constitution • Might have greater protection of rights • Outlined by constitution • Bill of Rights – defines & guarantees fundamental rights

  10. Constitution • Is difficult to change • Need a 2/3 vote by both House of Congress • OR • Convention called by 2/3 of states • Must be approved by ¾ of states • Why change? Extend rights (27 amendments)

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