Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy Lecture & Discussion 5: Principles of American Government

Enduring Understanding The Constitution creates a complex policy-making process to ensure the people’s will is represented and that freedom is preserved.

Objective(s) To describe the constitutional principles of the separation of powers and federalism and explain their implications for the U.S. political system.

Do Now Complete the outline and answer the prompts. What observations can you make about how the Constitution is organized? Which branch of government was given the greatest number of powers? Why? What inferences can you make about the distribution of power within the government?

A. Constitution: An Overview A “Living” Document Constitution is dynamic and flexible so it can change with the times The addition of amendments enable the Constitution to adapt in ways that are needed for the nation to succeed

A. Constitution: An Overview Main Components The U.S. Constitution Preamble Articles Amendments an introduction stating goals of government: establish justice insure domestic tranquility provide for the common defense promote the general welfare secure the blessings of liberty numbered sections that outline: organization and powers of branches relation of States with national government process for amendment the provisions for ratification formal changes to the original document: #1-10: Bill of Rights #11-27: further define processes of government, expand upon its powers, or address important societal issues

B. Key Principles separation of powers: constitutional authority is shared by three branches of government system of checks and balances enables each branch to check the authority of the others Madison: divides offices among many people and provides the “means and motives to resist encroachment of the others”

B. Key Principles federalism: political authority is divided between national and state governments one level of government can serve as a check on the other Madison: provides a “double security” to the rights of the people

C. Implications Provides “Checks & Balances” separation and division of powers controls potential abuses of authority in government Ie…impeachment proceedings again President Clinton

C. Implications Prevents “Tyranny of the Majority” multiple access points enable factions to influence public policy, but not gain full power of government and control national agenda Ie…Trump executive order to deny federal funding to sanctuary cities

C. Implications Directions: Read Federalist 51 and annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margin. Then, complete the table to explain how Madison’s argument(s) relates to political principles in the Constitution.