United States Constitution

Origins John Locke Baron de Montesquieu Two Treaties of Government all people had the same natural rights of life, liberty, and property Primary purpose of government is to protect those natural rights Baron de Montesquieu Enlightenment Philosopher Separation of powers Checks and balances of government branches

Powers of Congress Legislative Branch Bicameral: House of Representatives & the Senate (Congress) Power to make law Approve Treaties Impeach or remove President or other high level officials Controls the print of money Supports (financially) the Armed Forces Declare War Regulate foreign and domestic trade

Executive Branch President and Vice President Propose law Veto Legislation or approve Legislation Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Negotiate Foreign Treaties Appoint Federal Judges Can grant pardons for Federal offenses

Judicial Branch Supreme Court and Other Lower Federal Courts Judge the law based up the Constitution Can declare Executive actions unconstitutional

The Federal System National Powers Reserved JUST for the National Government or issues Trade War Armed Forces Federal Courts Money Admit new States Concurrent Powers Aka SHARED Powers Public welfare Criminal justice Borrow money Collect taxes Reserved Powers Reserved JUST for the States Trade w/in State Schools Local govt. Marriage and divorce laws Elections Public safety Corporation laws

Checks and Balances JUDICIAL BRANCH How it checks the… Legislative Branch Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional Executive Branch Judges appointed for life Free from executive control Executive orders can be declared unconstitutional LEGISLATIVE BRANCH How it checks the… Judicial Branch Congress creates lower courts Senate approves or rejects Judicial appointments Executive Branch Override Presidential Vetoes Funds or approves funds for executive actions Impeachment powers EXECUTIVE BRANCH How it checks the… Judicial Branch Appoints Federal Judges Appoints Supreme Court Justices Legislative Branch Veto Legislation Call special sessions of Congress Recommend Legislation

Bill of Rights / Amendments 1st TEN Amendments to the U.S. Constitution 1. Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition 2. Bear Arms 3. Quartering Troops (not in homes) 4. Searches and Seizures 5. Criminal Procedures, Due Process, Eminent Domain 6. Criminal Proceedings 7. Civil Trials 8. Punishments for Crimes (unusual punishments) 9. Unremunerated Rights 10. Powers Reserved to the States Amendments Additions or changes to the U.S. Constitution 27 Amendments in all 2/3 Vote of Congress