A More Perfect Union

I. Ideas Behind the Constitution A. As the delegates began to write the new Constitution, they drew from a variety of sources. B. The Iroquois League 1. Around 1750, the various nations of the Iroquois united. In the Iroquois League, member nations each governed their own affairs but joined together for defense.

C. Europe’s Influence 1. The Magna Carta (1215) limited the power of a ruler. Nobles had the right to a trial by jury

2. Bicameral Representative government also came from England 2. Bicameral Representative government also came from England. Parliament had made laws for the country since mid 1200’s.

3. Enlightenment Thinkers John Locke 1. He believed all people had natural rights to life, liberty, and property. 2. He also believed that government should function as a contract between the ruler and the ruled.

3. If a ruler should violate the rights of the people, the people had a right to rebel.

B. Baron de Montesquieu Suggested limiting the power of government by separating the governing bodies. This concept is known as the separation of powers. 3. Share power among Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

II. A Stronger National Government A. Under the new Constitution, the states delegated, or gave up, some of those powers they had under the Articles to the National Government. 1. At the same time, the states reserved, or kept, other powers.

B. The division of power between the national government and the states is called FEDERALISM. 1. Citizens elect both state and national officials.

C. Powers of the Federal Government. Power to declare war. Issue (coin) money. Regulate trade with other countries and among states. Power to make treaties.

D. Powers of the State Government Powers not specifically given to the federal government nor denied to the states are reserved to the states. Regulate trade within borders.

3. Establish local governments. 4. Conduct local elections. 5. Determine qualification of voters in state elections.

6. Establish public schools.

E. Powers that Overlap 1. Powers to tax, to try criminals in court, and to build roads.

F. 7 Articles of the Constitution Article I-Establishes the Legislative Branch and its powers. Senators-6 year terms, Must be 30 years of age. Representatives-2 year terms, Must be 25 years old Powers include: declaring war, collecting taxes, coining money, and make laws that are necessary and proper for the execution of laws.

Article II- Establishes the Executive Branch President of the United States-4 year terms, Must be 35 years old and natural born citizen. Powers included: Being Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces and in times of emergency issue executive orders.

Article III-Judicial Branch United States Supreme Court(9 justices including 1 Chief Justice)

Article IV- Determines the proper relations among the states and their responsibility to the federal government. Article V- Amending the Constitution (2/3 votes in both houses of Congress, ratified by 3/4 of the States)

6. Article VI: Supreme Law of the Land When states and federal government disagree, the Constitution is considered the Supreme law of the land.

Article VII: Ratification of the Constitution would require 9 out 13 states.