Mrs.Barbour 8th Grade US History The U.S. Constitution Mrs.Barbour 8th Grade US History

A “Living” Document Provides a strong central govt. Flexible Keeps basic features and changes with the times

The Preamble: The Introduction Explains the reasons for the new govt. “We the People” – popular sovereignty Lists the goals of the govt.

Goals of the Government: Form a more perfect union Establish justice Insure domestic tranquility Provide for common defense Promote general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity

The Preamble: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Articles: Articles: sections that provide organization 1st three discusses the branches of govt. Legislative Executive Judicial

Branches of Government:

Legislative Branch Law-Making Body

Legislative Branch: Law-making Bi-cameral Legislature House of Representatives Senate

Bi-Cameral Legislature: Senate “upper house” 100 members 2 serve per state 6 year terms 30 year age requirement Must be a citizen for at least 9 years House of Representatives “Lower house” 435 members Based on population 2 year terms 25 year age requirement 7 year as citizen

How Bill Becomes a Law: Member of either can submit a bill Only House of Rep. can propose new taxes Majority vote to go to other part Approval of Congress = President President signs = Becomes law President veto = Congress can override with 2/3 majority

Powers of Congress: Decide how to spend tax money Raise an army/navy Declare war Pay government debts Grant citizenship Elastic clause

Executive Branch Enforces the Laws

The Executive Branch: Enforces the laws Head: President or Chief Executive Includes departments and cabinet members

Requirements: Serve 4 year term Limited to 2 terms or 10 years At least 35 years old Native born citizen Resident for 14 yrs. “Oath of Office” Removal - Impeach

Powers of the President: Carries out laws Commander and Chief of armed forces Form treaties with other nations Nominates ambassadors and Supreme Court Pardon those convicted of violating federal laws

Judicial Branch Interprets the Laws

The Judicial Branch: Interprets the laws Highest court = Supreme Court Federal Courts District courts Appellate courts

Powers of the Supreme Court: Size not specified by Constitution Congress set number at 9 Usually serve for life Judicial review: does laws, actions, and other branches conflict with the Constitution

Important Aspects:

Checks and Balances Each branch can limit the power of the other “Checks” – allows one to block the actions of another “Balances” – each branch has a role/action in the other

Checks & Balances:

Amendments: Changes to the Constitution 2/3 vote by Congress or all of state legislatures to propose ¾ vote required to make effective ^ 10,000 suggested and only 27 have passed 1st 10 added immediately Bill of Rights

Federalism: Sharing of powers between state and national government Delegated: National powers Concurrent: Shared powers Reserved: State powers

Federalism: Delegated Powers: Concurrent Powers: Reserved Powers: -Coin money -Run postal system -interstate and international trade -National defense -Declare war -Diplomacy -Taxing -Borrowing money -Enforcing laws -Provide for welfare of the citizens -Conduct elections -Regulate trade within the state -Establish local government -Regulate education

Major Principles Embodied in the Constitution: Popular Sovereignty Limited government Unalienable rights Separation of Powers Judicial review Checks & Balances Federalism

THE END….