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The Constitution

The Constitution (*for the purpose of your Constitution Exam – terms in RED you must be able to define and explain). Seven Major Principles: popular sovereignty republicanism limited government federalism separation of powers checks and balances individual rights.

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The Constitution

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  1. The Constitution (*for the purpose of your Constitution Exam – terms in RED you must be able to define and explain) Seven Major Principles: popular sovereignty republicanism limited government federalism separation of powers checks and balances individual rights

  2. Popular Sovereignty • “We the People…” reinforces idea of the authority of the citizens • people consent to be governed • *What does that mean?? • people also specify the rules under which they will be governed

  3. Republicanism • voters hold the power in a republican system • republic or representative democracy: system of limited government where the people are the final authority

  4. Limited Government • government limited to the powers specified by the people • Article I states specifically the powers the government will and will not have • other limits appear in the Bill of Rights

  5. Federalism • the principle of shared power • three types of government powers • enumerated powers – belong only to the federal government • reserved powers – power retained by the states • concurrent powers – powers the state and federal governments share

  6. Separation of Powers • prevent any single group from having too much control • provides for three branches of government • legislative branch – Congress makes the laws • executive branch – headed by President – carries out the laws • judicial branch – Supreme Court – interprets/applies the laws

  7. The Legislative Branch • The House of Representatives and Senate = Congress • Role of Congress • appropriate funds – set aside money for government spending • impeach – bring formal charges against any government official • represent constituents – the people of their home state/district *Who are your representatives in Congress???

  8. The Executive Branch • includes President, Vice President, and executive offices and agencies • Roles of the President • Chief Executive • Chief Diplomat • Commander in Chief • Chief of State (represents all Americans internationally) • Legislative Leader

  9. The Judicial Branch • Three main categories of Courts: • District Courts (91) – cover criminal and civil cases which concern federal laws/regulations • Appellate Courts – review the lower court’s decisions at the request of the loser • The Supreme Court – final authority • Supreme Court • justices appointed for life • What cases has the Supreme Court recently decided on???

  10. The Rights of American Citizens • The Right to Protection from Unfair Actions • controlled by parts of the Constitution and Bill of Rights • ex: right to an attorney when accused of a crime, etc. • Equal Treatment • 5th Amendment: “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process under the law” • due process: government must follow procedures, treating everyone equally • 14th Amendment: requires every state to grant citizens equal protection under the law • Basic Freedoms • 1st Amendment: freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, etc.

  11. Responsibilities of Citizens • Duties • obey the law • pay taxes • defend the nation • jury duty • obtain education • Responsibilities • be well-informed • of who your representatives are • of your rights • VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

  12. The Constitution • Three Parts • Preamble • Articles • Amendments First Signed: September 17, 1787 – included Preamble and 7 Articles Bill of Rights (1st ten Amendments) – added 1791

  13. Preamble - introductory paragraph http://youtu.be/pIKhRERqPS4 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.

  14. The Articles  • Article I - The Legislative Branch • creates the Congress • to make laws • divides Congress into a Senate and House of Representatives • makes rules for election of members • gives some powers to Congress, limits others

  15. Article II - The Executive Branch • sets up the presidency and vice presidency to carry out or execute the laws • election rules • powers of the president • how to impeach • Article III - The Judicial Branch • sets up the Supreme Court • duties and powers of Supreme Court and federal courts • power of judicial review • defines treason

  16. Article IV - The States • creates rules for states to get along with other states • guarantees to states • admitting states to the Union • Article V - Making Amendments • how to add amendments to the Constitution • Article VI - Supreme Law of the Land • the Constitution is the highest law of the land

  17. Article VII - Ratification • the Constitution became effective when 9 out of 13 states approved it

  18. Bill of Rights (1791)

  19. Other Amendments

  20. Other Amendments, Continued

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