IV- The United States Constitution

A) 1787- 55 State Representatives gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 1) They intended to fix the problems with the Articles of Confederation.

2) The delegates soon decided to trash the Articles and start fresh with a new and improved governing document. 3) They work on it for three months and complete the US Constitution.

B) The Constitution is the SUPREME Law of America 1) No person or institution (Ex-the President or FBI) can bypass or ignore the Constitution.

C) The Constitution is made up of three parts 1) The Preamble 2) 7 Articles (sections) that provide the details about how America is operated 3) The Amendments

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 posterity, Do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America

` 4) The Constitution establishes America as a Republic. a) Republic - a government where the citizens elect representatives to run the nation for them.

D) Division of Power- In order to prevent the abuse of power, the Constitution divides the power of government into three parts or branches. 1) Each branch has a different role and duty in running the country

E) The Legislative Branch 1) This branch is represented by the House of Representatives and the Senate. 2) Together they are called CONGRESS. 3) They write our laws, collect taxes, and decide where the money is spent.

F) Executive Branch 1) THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH- The office of the President and his advisors. 2) The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nation 3) The President is responsible for enforcing the law. 3) He/ she is also the commander in chief of the military.

G) Judicial Branch 1) The Judicial branch is the federal courts (the highest being the SUPREME COURT) 2) The courts decide if the other two branches are acting in a legal and constitutional manner. 3) Every new law is held up to the Constitution to see if it is legal.

Which branch of the government is the most powerful? H) CHECKS AND BALANCES 1) Rules that keep the branches equal in power and influence over the government and society.

1) Each branch has leverage (power) over the other 2 branches. 2) If one branch begins to get out of control, the other 2 branches can push it back into line

Can we change the Constitution? I) The AMENDMENTS- permanent changes to the Constitution. 1) The Framers knew that the country would grow and change and the Constitution would have to change with it

2) The Amendments contain and define the freedoms and liberties of the American citizens. 3) Their have been 27 Amendments approved since 1787. 4) The fist ten Amendments were passed at the same time. They are called the BILL OF RIGHTS