Bellringer 5. The following quote is a quote from the Declaration of Independence. “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…” Jefferson is referring to which Enlightenment idea? a. Checks and Balances b. Natural Rights c. Protection of life, liberty, and property d. Social Contract

Bellringer 24. How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation? A. It avoided the issue of states’ rights. B. It allowed the states to elect representatives. C. It prevented the amendment of federal laws. D. It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.  

5. “Checks & Balances”

“Checks & Balances” This process is used to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. Checks & Balances limits the power of the government by allowing the three branches to “check” one another’s powers.

“Checks & Balances” The President can appoint justices to the Supreme Court with the Senate’s approval. The Senate can “check” the President by approving or rejecting appointments. The Congress can make laws. The President can “check” Congress by vetoing those laws

“Checks & Balances” The House can check the President with their power to impeach. Impeach means to formally ACCUSE of a wrongdoing!

“Checks & Balances” The Supreme Court can check the Congress and President by declaring the laws made by Congress and approved by the President as unconstitutional.

“Checks & Balances”

The “Articles” Lists the functions and purposes of the government

Article I – “L” Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (U.S. Congress). It creates the “Senate” and the “House of Representatives”. (100 + 435 = 535) Congress has the task of “making laws”. Only Congress can declare war or coin money.

Article II – “E” Article II establishes the Executive Branch which is made up of the (U.S. President & Vice President). It establishes procedures for electing the President and Vice President The President’s cabinet (not in the Constitution) The Executive Branch has the task of “carrying out or enforcing the laws”.

Article III – “J” Article III establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and other lower courts). Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws (determine if the laws are constitutional!) 9 Supreme Court Justices!!!!

Article IV – “R” Article IV establishes the Relations of the states and the Rights of citizens. It establishes “good will” among states. Promises U.S. protection of the states. Sets up rights of citizens from state to state

Article V – “A” Article V discusses the Amending the Constitution To amend (or change) allows the Constitution to change with the times. We currently have 27 Amendments The first 10 make up the “Bill of Rights.”

Article VI -- “S” Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest authority in the land. (macho nacho – Taco Bell!) If any law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution wins.

Article VII – “R” Article VII discusses the “ratification” of the Constitution. To Ratify means to Approve It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect. New Hampshire was the 9th – June 21, 1788

Helpful Mnemonic Legislative (Lazy) Executive (Elephants) Judicial (Jump) Relations between states (Rarely) Amendment Process (And) Supremacy Clause (Sleep) Ratification (Regularly)