The Constitution est. 1789

1. The Constitutionest. 1789 United States of America est. 1776 By Mr. Peterson est. 1981

2. Preamble We the people of the United States… • It begins with “We the people” to describe that we (as in citizens) run the government. • The Preamble lists the ideas that we want to have in our nation to insure equality.

3. Article 1The Legislature • Describes how the Legislature, aka Congress should act (refer to your worksheet) • The main role of Congress is to make laws and levy taxes • Congress elected by citizens to represent citizens in government. • Two Houses…House of Representatives and the Senate

4. The Senate100 Senators (2 from each state)6 year term • U.S. Vice President- Leader of Senate (rarely present) • President Pro-Tempore- The most senior Senate member (majority party). • Senate Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. • Senate Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party.

5. The House of Representatives(based on population) 435 total2 year term • Speaker of the House- Leader of the House, elected by majority party from majority party. • House Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. • House Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party.

6. Article 2Executive Branch • The President and Vice President are the leaders of the executive branch. • Commands the military and makes foreign treaties with the Senate’s approval. • Appoints advisors called his/her Presidential Cabinet. • Serves a 4 year term…maximum of 10 yrs. • Elected through the electoral college.

7. What the heck is the Electoral College • Each state is assigned a number of delegates based on the amount of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives in their state • Don’t Write example Minnesota has 10 (2 Senators and 8 Representatives) • If a presidential contender receives the majority of the vote in the specific state, he/she wins all of the states delegates. • In order to win the presidency, you must receive at least half of the delegates (538 possible)

8. Why the Electoral College • The framers wanted a safety net for the presidential election. • They believed that Americans (back then) were for the most part uneducated and could possibly choose a bad president without knowing. • They decided that the people could vote for the president, but the electors would ultimately choose the president. • Despite Electoral College, the electors have always followed what the voters have wanted.

9. So what can/does he/she do? • May recommend laws to congress • May call emergency congress sessions in time of crises • Appoints ambassadors to foreign countries. • Appoints federal judges (with Senate approval) • Can pardon any federal crimes • Can veto acts of Congress • Can call for executive orders for up to 90 days to handle emergency situations. (doesn’t need congress approval)

10. Article 3The Judiciary • Defines the Judiciary to interpret the laws. • Supreme Court is the highest court, takes on Constitutional issues only (no criminal) • Underneath is a system of courts that covers everything from criminal courts to civil courts. • Can declare the executive and legislature to be unconstitutional.

11. Articles 4-7 • Article 4 • States must honor one another’s laws, records, and rulings. • Article 5 • The Constitution may be amended, but needs to have 2/3rds majority to propose, and 3/4ths to ratify it. • Article 6 Supremacy of the National Govt. • The Constitution, national laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. • Article 7 Ratification • 9 of the 13 states must ratify the constitution for it to go into effect.

12. Bill of Rights(First 10 Amendments) • A list of rights that “people are entitled to against the government” • Basically that means: • Rights that are guaranteed to every citizen to protect them from the government. • They are called Amendments because they were “added” to the Constitution. • Amendments 11-27 (not called Bill of Rights) were added later throughout time.