Chapter 3– Constitutional Reminders

1. Chapter 3– Constitutional Reminders

2. Important Concepts in the Constitution (see p. 65) • Preamble – introduction to the Constitution. It details why it was written. • National supremacy – The national government is supreme to the states. (“supremacy clause”) • Articles – the divisions of the body of the Constitution • Amendments – changes made to the Constitution

3. Important Concepts in the Constitution (see p. 65) • Popular sovereignty– authority in our government comes from the people • Federalism– power in our government is divided between the state and national governments • Separation of powers– each of the three branches of government has it own powers or responsibilities

4. Important Concepts in the Constitution (see p. 65) • Checks and Balances– each branch of the government holds some control over the others • Judicial Review– courts have the power to declare laws and actions of the President and Congress unconstitutional • Limited government– the constitution limits the powers of government

5. Powers • Expressed powers (also called enumerated powers)– powers specifically listed in the Constitution • Implied Powers– powers that are “implied” or “assumed” as a part of the government’s job. • Delegated Powers – powers that the Constitution grants to the national government.

6. The Elastic Clause • Article I gives Congress the right to do all things “necessary and proper” for them to do their job • Called the Elastic Clause because it allows Congress to stretch their power

7. The Three Branches of Government

8. Legislative Branch

9. House of Representatives • Representatives serve a 2 year term (Art. 1 Sec. 2) • Rep. must be 25 years old and a citizen for 7 years to be elected. (Art. 1 Sec. 2) • The House can propose tax laws (Art. 1 Sec. 7) • The House can impeach the president (Art. 1 Sec. 2)

10. Senate • Senators serve a six year term (Art. 1 Sec. 3) • Sen. Must be 30 years old and a citizen for 9 years to be elected. (Art. 1 Sec. 3) • The Senate can approve presidential appointments. (Art. 2 Sec. 2) • The Senate ratifies treaties with foreign governments. (Art. 2 Sec. 2) • The Senate can try the president after impeachment. (Art. 1 Sec. 3)

11. Both Together • Can propose laws (Art. 1 Sec. 1) • Declare war (Art. 1 Sec. 8) • Can override the president’s veto with a 2/3 vote (Art. 1 Sec. 7) • Can propose amendments to the Constitution with a 2/3 vote (Art. 5)

12. Executive Branch

13. The President serves a 4-year term (Art. 2 Sec. 1) • The President must be at least 35 years old, a resident for 14 years and native born. (Art. 2 Sec. 5) • The President has the power to approve or veto laws (Art. 1 Sec. 7) • The President makes treaties with foreign governments (Art. 2 Sec. 2) • He nominates judges to the Supreme Court (Art. 2 Sec. 2) • He appoints cabinet members (Art. 2 Sec. 2) • He is Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. military forces (Art. 2 Sec. 2)

14. Judicial Branch

15. Justices of the Supreme Court serve for life (Art. 3 Sec.1) • They can declare laws unconstitutional (Art. 3 Sec. 2) • The can settle disputes involving the United States (Art. 3 Sec. 2) • The can settle disputes between the states. (Art. 3 Sec. 2) • Chief Justice presides over impeachment of the President. (Art. 1 Sec. 3)

16. Articles and Amendments List • Make a list of all of the Articles (1-7) • Art. 1. Legislative (Congress) • Art. 2… • Art. 3…. Thru Art. 7 • List all 27 Amendments and their MAJOR aspects. • Amendment 1 – Freedom of….. • Charts on p. 86 & 88