Principles of American Government

1. Principles of American Government

2. Do Now: 9/9/19 • What are the responsibilities of the government?

3. Government • Government- the institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies. • Public Policies- all the things a government decided to do. • Taxation, education, crime and health care.

4. What is Government? • Every government exercises three types of power: • Legislative power- the power to make laws. • The House of Representatives • The Senate • Known as congress • Executive power- the power to enforce and administer laws. • The president and the cabinet • Judicial Power- the power to interpret laws. • The federal courts • The inferior courts

5. What is Government? • Public Polices are the laws constructed by congress (legislative power). • The constitution is the rule book for the government. • The powers that the government hold are outlined in the constitution.

6. What is Government? • The constitution is the fundamentals laws, principles, and process of a government. • The legislative, executive and judicial branch all have separate duties.

7. The State • The state is a body of people in an area: • They are organized • They have established ways to enforce laws • They consent to the local authority • The four characteristics of a state are: • Population • Boundaries • Independent • Government

8. Purpose of Government • Form a more perfect union- Bring the American people closer together. • Establish Justice- The law must be fair, reasonable, and impartial. • Insure Domestic Tranquility- Keep order in society.

9. Purpose of Government • Provide the Common Defense- Defend the U.S. from other countries. • Promote General Welfare- the government should provide services that benefit all or most people. • Secure the Blessings and Liberty- secure rights and liberties of the individuals.

10. Principle of American Government • Democracy- the authority lies with the people. • The citizens choose representatives to represent their best interests in government. • “For the people by the people”

11. Do Now: 9/10/19 • What is the constitution?

12. United States Constitution • Constitution- referred to as the “supreme law of the land”. • Organizes the government • Lists the rights/ freedoms of citizens • 3 Sections • Preamble • Articles • Amendments

13. Preamble • The Preamble to the constitution is considered to be the introduction. • States the goals of and purposes of the United States of America.

14. Articles • The Articles are the main body of the constitution. • There are 7 articles in total and each outline a specific principal of the government. • Article 1- Legislative Branch (laws) • Article 2- Executive Branch (president) • Article 3- Judicial Branch (interpret laws)

15. Articles • Article 4- Relations among states – federalism • Article 5- Amendments – changes to the constitution • Article 6- General Provisions – national supremacy clause, government officials take oath to office • Article 7- Ratification of the Constitution – 9 states had to approve.

16. Amendments • Amendments are modifications or additions to the Constitution. • There are 27 amendments. • 1-10 are known as the Bill of Rights.

17. Principles of the Constitution • Limited Government • Tell what the government can and cannot do • Bill of Rights • Limits powers; gives some power to the people • Democracy • Federal law is supreme to state law.

18. Separation of Powers • Power is divided among the Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branches. • A system of Checks and Balance was created to ensure that no branch has more power than the other.