Lesson 2: Introduction to the US Constitution

Principles and Powers Popular Sovereignty – “We the People” Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Judicial Review Limited Government

Federalism Delegated/Expressed/National Declare war, print money, handle foreign affairs Concurrent – shared Taxes, courts, punish criminals State/reserve Schools, marriage laws, create local governments

Separation of Powers Executive – President – enforce/carry out/execute the laws Legislative – Congress – make the laws Judicial – Supreme Court – define/interpret the laws – declare unconstitutional

The Beginning Articles of Confederation – not working Finally met in Philadelphia (Ind. Hall) led by Hamilton, Madison, and Washington. Franklin the oldest. 55 members, 12 out of 13 states – all wanted a Republic, all wanted a Congress – lot of tempers – some walked out

The Great Compromise Big states (large population) wanted Congress passed on population. Small states wanted it equal. Compromised – 2 houses (bicameral) House – population Senate – equal (2)

James Madison Father of the Constitution Wanted a strong central government 150 speeches during the debate Wrote most of Constitution Elected to House – helped draft basic laws Wrote the Bill of Rights Later became President

The Constitution Made up of three parts Preamble, the Articles (7), and the Amendments (27) Passed in 1789, Bill of Rights added 1791

Review http://school.discoveryeducation.com/quizzes/cc_bda ley/Lesson2.html