Part 3 A More Perfect Union Creating a Republic Part 3 A More Perfect Union

Americans were the first people to write a constitution setting up a government. Yet many ideas in the Constitution had come from other sources.

Some Americans looked at the League of the Iroquois, and how the different tribes had united. Ideas were also borrowed from Europe, particularly from two different philosophers.

John Locke All people have the right to life, liberty, and property. If rulers violate peoples’ rights, the people should rebel and change the leadership.

Montesquieu Believed in dividing the government into 3 different branches. The “Separation of Powers”.

This phrase means that the people should have the power in government. Self-Government This phrase means that the people should have the power in government. This was the most important idea in the Constitution. The Constitution starts with the phrase “We the People…”

Federalism Many people debated about how to divide power between states and the national government. The sharing of power between state and national governments is called FEDERALISM.

The Federal System Powers shared by National and State Governments Powers delegated to National (Federal) Government Make treaties with other countries Create and maintain a military Coin Money Declare War Admit new States Create federal courts Regulate trade Make copyright & patent laws Establish foreign policy Powers shared by National and State Governments Provide for public welfare Administer Criminal Justice Charter Banks Raise Taxes Borrow Money Powers Reserved to States Provide schooling and education Make laws about marriage and divorce Conduct elections Create corporation laws Establish local governments

The Federal Government is made up of 3 Branches that have individual powers, duties, and responsibilities. The Legislative Branch — The Congress The Executive Branch — The President The Judicial Branch — The Supreme Court

Legislative Branch Members of the House of Representatives serve 2 year terms and Senators serve 6 year terms. Their main function is to make laws. They also have the power to collect taxes and to regulate foreign and domestic trade. They also have power to declare war.

Below are the two houses of Congress When the flag flies, they are in session. House of Representatives The Senate

Executive Branch Made up of the President and Vice President and presidential advisers. Elected to a 4 year term, and may be re-elected once. Carries out laws passed by Congress. Commander in Chief of armed forces, and is responsible for foreign relations.

South Lawn of the White House

LaFayette Park – North Side of the White House

Judicial Branch The Supreme Court and other federal courts hear cases that involve the Constitution or any laws passed by Congress. They also hear cases arising between two or more states.

The U.S. Supreme Court Building

Inner Chamber of the U. S. Supreme Court

The Electoral College Each state is given so many votes depending on their number of Senators and Congressmen. It is the process used to elect the President. We vote for the electors, and they meet in December to elect the president.

Utah has six electoral college votes 435 Congressmen+100 Senators+3 for D.C.=538 With 538 Electoral Votes, It Takes 270 to Win the Presidency!!!