The Constitution A More Perfect Union

Preamble

Three Branches of Government

Legislative Branch Congress makes the laws by proposing bills, voting on them and passing them to the President. The Bills become laws when the President signs them. House of Representatives Senate

Elastic Clause The power of Congress to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its other powers. Gives Congress the flexibility to do things the Constitution originally didn’t intend. Alexander Hamilton started the first national bank under the Elastic Clause. The first Bank of the United States

Executive Branch The President and his cabinet carry out the laws.

Presidential Veto President rejects bill by stamping it. Probably the biggest power that the President has over Congress is the power to veto a bill and send it back to Congress. Congress can override the veto with 2/3 votes in both houses.

Judicial Branch The Courts Interpret the Constitution to resolve disputes under the law.

Judicial Review The power of the courts to decide whether laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches are constitutional.

Checks and balances prevent any one branch from getting too strong.

Constitutional Amendments Proposed by either Congress or a National Convention. Ratified by three fourths of the state legislature or conventions. 27 amendments have been approved. 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920.

Bill of Rights The First 10 Amendments to the Constitution