The Constitution

Bill of Rights From memory, list the Bill of Rights in order In your opinion what is the most important Bill of Rights and why? Is there one that we can live without?

Vocabulary- Section 1 Popular Sovereignty Implied Powers Limited Government Enumerated Government Define the following in your notebook Reserved Power Concurrent Power Separation of Powers

“We the People….” Lays the foundation for the American system of government Popular Sovereignty Preamble makes clear that the people hold the power How do the people rule the United States? Republic form of government People rule through elected representatives Republic=Representative Government Need a government stronger than the one the Articles of Confederation established Limited Government: the powers of government are strictly defined

Federalism Many state governments and a single federal government share power Constitution created the federal system How is the power distributed? Enumerated powers- specifically given to Congress Coin money Regulate interstate and foreign trade Maintain the armed forces Create federal courts

Reserved Powers- belong to the states Not specifically listed 10th Amendment declares that all powers not specifically granted to the federal government “are reserved to the States.” Establish schools Pass marriage and divorce laws Regulate trade within a state

Concurrent Powers Powers shared by the federal and state governments Raise taxes Borrow money Provide for public welfare Carry out criminal justice

Separation of Powers Power separated into three branches Legislative Executive Judicial Each branch of government has different powers, responsibilities and duties

Individual Rights The original Constitution did not include the Bill of Rights in 1787 Was added in 1791 Bill of Rights guarantee basic freedoms and liberties Freedom of religion Freedom of speech and press Freedom to assemble and protest Right to bear arms Right to a speedy and public trial by jury Right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures Freedom from “cruel and unusual” punishments

Amending the Constitution One of world’s oldest written documents but also one of the shortest Allowed the government to adapt to changing times and deal with challenges the Framers never thought of Hundreds of amendments have been suggested Only amended 27 times Two step process Step 1: Proposal A constitutional amendment can be proposed in one of two ways By 2/3 of the members of both the House and Senate At a convention called by 2/3 of the states Step 2: Ratification After an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified. This too can be done two ways By ¾ of the state legislatures By ¾ of ratifying conventions in the states

Federal Government

Legislative Branch Congress House of Representatives Senate States representation is based on its population Must be 25 years old Unlimited terms of two years Current House members: 435 Florida’s House Representatives: 27 100 members 2 per state Must be 30 years old Unlimited 6 year terms

Executive Branch President and Vice President each serve 4 year terms Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Education President can only hold that position for 2 terms Secretary of Energy Secretary of Health and Human Services Presidential Cabinet Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary of Defense Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of state Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Labor Secretary of Transportation Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary of Veteran Affairs Secretary of the Navy Secretary of Agriculture

El Presidente Hats worn by the President Chief of State: Ceremonial head of the United States Chief Executive: The holder of the executive power of the United States Chief Administrator: Leader of the executive branch of the federal government Chief Diplomat: The main architect of American foreign policy and the nation’s chief spokesperson to other countries Commander in Chief: In charge of the nation’s armed forces Chief Legislator: Main author of public policy Chief of Party: Leader of his or her political party Chief Citizen: Representative of all the people El Presidente

Judicial Branch Article III established the Supreme Court and allowed for Congress to create lower courts District Courts Main trial courts Appeals Courts Hear cases of appeals from the lower courts Supreme Court is at the top of the legal system Rulings are never appealed Power of judicial review over the executive and legislative branches

Supreme Court Justices Nominated by the President and approved by Congress 9 justices today Chief justice 8 associate justices In position until death or retirement Can be removed for bad behavior First Woman Justice: Sandra Day O’Connor (Regan nominated) First Minority Justice: Thurgood Marshall (Johnson nominated)

Being a Citizen With rights come responsibilities. As a citizen what are your responsibilities to this country? Why do you have the responsibilities? Are they necessary and fair?

Being a Citizen of the Red, White and Blue Rights fall into 3 categories Right to be protected from unfair government action Right to be treated equally with others Right to enjoy basic freedoms 5th Amendment No one shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law 14th Amendment Guarantees all people equal protection

Duties & Responsibilities Anyone born in the US is a citizen and is granted all rights US soil includes American territories and military bases Also if you are born outside of the US and one of your parents is American Duties we must do Responsibilities are things we should do