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The U.S. Constitution

Learn about the key features of the U.S. Constitution, from the Preamble to the branches of government, and the principles of federalism. Discover the significance of checks and balances, the powers of Congress, Executive, and Judicial branches, and the process of amending the Constitution. This guide provides a clear overview of the foundation of American governance.

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The U.S. Constitution

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  1. The U.S. Constitution Mrs.Barbour 8th Grade US History

  2. A “Living” Document • Provides a strong central govt. • Flexible • Keeps basic features and changes with the times

  3. The Preamble: • The Introduction • Explains the reasons for the new govt. • “We the People” – popular sovereignty • Lists the goals of the govt.

  4. Goals of the Government: • Form a more perfect union • Establish justice • Insure domestic tranquility • Provide for common defense • Promote general welfare • Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity

  5. The Preamble: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

  6. The Articles: • Articles: sections that provide organization • 1st three discusses the branches of govt. • Legislative • Executive • Judicial

  7. Branches of Government:

  8. Legislative Branch Law-Making Body

  9. Legislative Branch: • Law-making • Bi-cameral Legislature • House of Representatives • Senate

  10. Senate “upper house” 100 members 2 serve per state 6 year terms 30 year age requirement Must be a citizen for at least 9 years House of Representatives “Lower house” 435 members Based on population 2 year terms 25 year age requirement 7 year as citizen Bi-Cameral Legislature:

  11. How Bill Becomes a Law: • Member of either can submit a bill • Only House of Rep. can propose new taxes • Majority vote to go to other part • Approval of Congress = President • President signs = Becomes law • President veto = Congress can override with 2/3 majority

  12. Powers of Congress: • Decide how to spend tax money • Raise an army/navy • Declare war • Pay government debts • Grant citizenship • Elastic clause

  13. Executive Branch Enforces the Laws

  14. The Executive Branch: • Enforces the laws • Head: President or Chief Executive • Includes departments and cabinet members

  15. Requirements: • Serve 4 year term • Limited to 2 terms or 10 years • At least 35 years old • Native born citizen • Resident for 14 yrs. • “Oath of Office” • Removal - Impeach

  16. Powers of the President: • Carries out laws • Commander and Chief of armed forces • Form treaties with other nations • Nominates ambassadors and Supreme Court • Pardon those convicted of violating federal laws

  17. Judicial Branch Interprets the Laws

  18. The Judicial Branch: • Interprets the laws • Highest court = Supreme Court • Federal Courts • District courts • Appellate courts

  19. Powers of the Supreme Court: • Size not specified by Constitution • Congress set number at 9 • Usually serve for life • Judicial review: does laws, actions, and other branches conflict with the Constitution

  20. Important Aspects:

  21. Checks and Balances • Each branch can limit the power of the other • “Checks” – allows one to block the actions of another • “Balances” – each branch has a role/action in the other

  22. Checks & Balances:

  23. Amendments: • Changes to the Constitution • 2/3 vote by Congress or all of state legislatures to propose • ¾ vote required to make effective • ^ 10,000 suggested and only 27 have passed • 1st 10 added immediately • Bill of Rights

  24. Federalism: • Sharing of powers between state and national government • Delegated: National powers • Concurrent: Shared powers • Reserved: State powers

  25. Federalism:

  26. Major Principles Embodied in the Constitution: • Popular Sovereignty • Limited government • Unalienable rights • Separation of Powers • Judicial review • Checks & Balances • Federalism

  27. THE END….

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