Constitution 101: An Introduction & Overview to the US Constitution

What is the Constitution? The supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the Federal Government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States Government.

What are the basic principals of the Constitution? Self-Government Government power resides in the people Limited Government Government is not all powerful, can only do what the people let it. Separation of Powers Helps prevent one branch from becoming too powerful Checks and Balances Federalism Division of power among national and state governments

What are Checks and Balances?

Who Wrote It? James Madison is considered “the father of the Constitution.” His important contributions: The Virginia Plan Separation of Powers Bill of Rights

When was it written? May 25th to September 17th, 1787 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Intention was to revise Articles of Confederation Ended up replacing the Articles and creating a new government Called the “Constitutional Convention.”

Structure of the Constitution Preamble: Statement of purpose Articles: I: Legislative Branch II: Executive Branch III: Judicial Branch IV: Relations Among the States V: Amendment Process VI: Federal Power VII: Ratification Amendments: 27 Total First ten are Bill of Rights

Introduction: The Preamble

What does the Preamble say? The Preamble introduces the Constitution and explains what the Constitution is meant to do. Hint: Preamble = Purpose The Preamble lists six major goals/purposes for the Constitution to accomplish!

#PreambleGoals “We the people of the United States… 1.) in Order to form a more perfect Union: 2.) establish justice: 3.) insure domestic tranquility: 4.) provide for the common defense: 5.) promote the general welfare: 6.) and secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our Posterity: … do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

#PreambleGoals “We the people of the United States… 1.) in Order to form a more perfect Union: in order to unite the states more than ever before 2.) establish justice: create a fair legal system 3.) insure domestic tranquility: promise peace at home 4.) provide for the common defense: aide the military/defend against attacks 5.) promote the general welfare: help support people’s well-being 6.) and secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our Posterity: and make sure that freedom will last for us and our future generations … do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Article 1: The Legislative Branch

Article 1: The Legislative Branch Article I is the first and longest portion of the Constitution. It creates the Legislative Branch of the government - turning citizens’ wants into laws. Section 1: Powers of Congress “All legislative Powers herin granted shall be vested in a Congress, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”

Article I: The Legislative Branch Section 3: The Senate: Qualifications: Size: Term Length: Special Duties: Section 2: The House of Representatives: Qualifications: Size: Term Length: Special Duties:

Article I: The Legislative Branch Section 2: The House of Representatives: Qualifications: Must be 25 years old and have lived in the U.S. for 7 years Size: 435 members Term Length: Serve for 2 years Special Duties: All bills that raise money begin in the House Section 3: The Senate: Qualifications: Must be at least 30 years old and have lived in the U.S. for 9 years Size: 50 members Term Length: Serve for 6 years Special Duties: Acts as a court during impeachment trails

Arizona’s Representatives Krysten Sinema: Represents the 9th District (D) Others: Ann Kirkpatrick (D) Martha McSally (R) Raul Grijalva (D) Paul Gosar (R) David Schweikert (R) Ruben Gallego (D) Trent Franks (R)

Arizona’s Senators John McCain (R): Jeff Flake (R): Former Presidential candidate Jeff Flake (R): Former House Representative

Article I: The Legislative Branch Section 7: Overriding Presidential Veto The Presentment Clause: Before a bill becomes law, it must be presented to the President, who has ten days to act on it. If the President signs the bill, it becomes law. If the President disapproves of the bill, he must return it to the House in which it originated. This procedure has become known as a veto. The bill then does not then become law unless both Houses, by two-thirds vote, overrides the President’s veto.

Article I: The Legislative Branch Section 8: Powers of Congress Some major powers of Congress are to: collect taxes, borrow money, pay debts, make rules for how to become a citizen, regulate trade with other countries, declare war, and support the military financially. Do these powers sound familiar to you? Where have we as a class discussed issues such as these before in terms of a Legislative Branch?