Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution U.S. History Chapter 8

1787 through TODAY The Constitution was written to serve as the framework of the U.S. government This is a function of the Articles, or the main body of the Constitution

The Preamble Sets Goals Preamble: Opening statement of the Constitution To form a more perfect Union To establish justice To ensure domestic tranquility

Articles and Amendments Constitutional amendments can be proposed by either Congress or a national convention. A constitutional initiative is a process by which citizens act directly to cause change.

Articles and Amendments The 13th amendment abolished slavery The 26th amendment lowered the legal age for voting from 21 to 18.

7 Basic Principles The Articles of the Constitution concern the seven principles of: Popular sovereignty Separation of powers Federalism Individual rights Republicanism Checks & balances Limited government

Legislative Branch The most important power of Congress is to make the nation’s laws. Congress can override vetoes, ratify treaties, and has impeachment powers to check the powers of the other two branches.

Legislative Branch Only Congress has the power to impeach, or bring formal charges against, the President. Congress can propose constitutional amendments.

Executive Branch The President has the duty to carry out the nation’s laws. The President and Vice-President are the only elected officials to be chosen by all American voters.

Presidential Powers The President can veto bills passed by Congress, make appointments, and call special sessions of Congress To override is to check the power of a presidential veto

Judicial Branch The Supreme Court is the “court of last resort.” Its decisions are final. The Court of Appeals is located between District Courts and the Supreme Court in the federal system of courts.

Bill of Rights Guarantees freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, individual rights, right to meet peacefully, and protection against abuse of power.

Bill of Rights Three-quarters of the state legislatures had to ratify the Bill of Rights before it became law.

State Government The level of government which grants licenses to doctors, lawyers, and teachers State governments bear the main responsibility for public education

State Government Most state constitutions are longer and more detailed than the Constitution of the United States.

Local Government Local governments have only those powers and functions that the state gives them. Responsible for providing police and fire protection

VOCABULARY Popular Sovereignty: right of people to alter their government Democratic values: honesty, courage, compassion, patriotism, respect and responsibility

VOCABULARY Incriminate: give evidence against others or oneself Impeach: bring charges of serious wrongdoing against an official.

VOCABULARY Civic virtue: willingness to sacrifice for the common good Obeying the law, serving on a jury, and being informed are civic responsibilities of each citizen

VOCABULARY Electoral College: complex system for choosing a United States President Naturalize: to complete the legal process for citizenship. A naturalized citizen has completed the legal process for becoming a U.S. citizen.

1787 to Present