Ideals of the Constitution
Consent of the Governed Popular sovereignty (consent of the governed) is one of our most cherished ideals Appears in the preamble (opening sentence) of the U.S. Constitution “We the people” Government was established by the people of the U.S.
Goals of the Constitution 1. To form a more perfect union Better union of states than under the Articles of Confederation 2. Establish justice Courts and justice system that are fair to all 3. Insure domestic tranquility Govt. should preserve peace
Goals of the Constitution 4. Provide for the common defense Govt. should protect the country from its enemies 5. Promote the general welfare Govt. should provide for the wellbeing of all people 6. Secure the blessings of liberty Govt. should safeguard the freedom of all people
Representative Democracy Representatives (elected officials) should govern by the consent of the people Recalled or voted out if not citizens are dissatisfied Our political system works because of majority rule- when disagreements occur, everyone accepts the decision of the majority Majority must ALWAYS respect the rights of the minority
A Federal System Powers of govt. are divided between the national and state governments National (federal) govt. is centered in Washington, D.C. Federal system refers to country’s entire system of govt. All powers that the Constitution does NOT give to the federal govt. belong to the state governments
A Federal System Federal Govt. State Govt. Delegated powers specifically given to federal govt. Coin money Trade with other countries Take military action Reserved powers are powers not specifically given to the federal govt. Conduct state elections Regulate trade within states Establish local govt.
Shared Powers Concurrent powers are shared between the federal and state governments Collect taxes Borrow money Establish court systems Charter banks Enforce state and federal laws Provide healthcare If a state law conflicts with federal law, state must give way to federal govt. Constitution makes this clear- laws of federal govt. shall be “supreme law of the land”
Defining the Government’s Powers Constitution creates a stronger federal govt. than under the Articles, but framers made sure not to make federal govt. too powerful Limited government- govt. with defined restrictions to its power 1215- English nobles force King John to sign Magna Carta restricting his power and providing certain rights to the people English colonists brought these ideals with them
Defining the Government’s Powers Govt. officials and elected leaders in the U.S. must follow the same laws as everyone else Cannot do anything they wish just because they are in a position of power First draft of the Constitution did not provide for the protection of states and individual rights from the federal govt. Whether or not to add a Bill of Rights became hotly debated…
? What is the definition of popular sovereignty? List the 6 main goals of the Constitution What is majority rule? What is the difference between delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers? Explain how we have a limited government in the U.S.