U.S. Constitution

U.S. Constitution * Supreme law of the land * Final Authority

Enlightment John Locke: government based on contract b/w people and ruler. Montesquieu: power of government separated and balanced, powers are clearly defined.

3 Parts of Constitution: a. Preamble b. Articles (7 total) c 3 Parts of Constitution: a. Preamble b. Articles (7 total) c. Amendments (27 total)

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.

A. Preamble: Goals of the. Constitution 1. More Perfect Union: states A. Preamble: Goals of the Constitution 1. More Perfect Union: states operate as 1 country. 2. Establish Justice: Nat’l court system to protect the people.

3. Insure Domestic. Tranquility: strong national 3. Insure Domestic Tranquility: strong national government to keep peace. 4. Provide for the common defense: maintain the armed forces

5. Promote the General Welfare: Use law/resources to protect and keep from Hunger/Poverty. 6. Secure Blessings of Liberty: guarantee no American basic rights can be taken away.

B. Articles Article 1: Legislative Branch Article 2: Executive Branch Article 3: Judicial Branch Article 7: Ratification of Constitution

C. Amendments: (changes to Constitution) * 1st 10: Bill of Rights (1791) * Protect basic liberties and rights. * other 17 explain the rights of Americans.

Amendments 1. Personal Rights & Freedoms 2. Right to Bear Arms 3. Quartering of Troops 4. Search & Seizure 5. Rights of Accused 6. Right to Speedy Trial 7. Right to Trial by Jury 8. No Cruel & Unusual Punishment 9. Powers Reserved to People 10. Powers Reserved to States 11. Limits Suits Between States 12. Election of President & Vice-President 13. Abolition of Slavery 14. Former Slaves’ Rights 15. Right to Vote 16. Allows Income Tax 17. Election of Senators 18. Prohibition 19. Suffrage 20. Presidential Term 21. Repeal of Prohibition 22. Term Limits 23. District of Columbia 24. Abolition of Poll Tax 25. Outlines Presidential Succession 26. Lowers Voting Age 27. Limits Congressional Salaries

Living Constitution * can be altered or changed to meet the needs of society. (amend)

Underlying Principles Underlying Principles * Popular Sovereignty: “authority given to the people” * Rule of Law: no person is above the law * Federalism: powers divided between state and national government.

Concurrent Powers Regulate Trade w/in the State Enforce Laws Establish Courts Collect Taxes Borrow Money Provide for General Welfare Establish Banks Regulate Trade w/in the State Establish Local Government Conduct Elections Establish Public School Systems Make marriage laws Create Corporation laws Provide public safety Regulate Trade Coin Money Provide an Army & Navy Conduct Foreign Affairs Establish Post Office Declare War Set standard weights and measures Admit new states