Chapter 2 The Constitution

Wanted: A government that… Has enough power to do its job Doesn’t give anyone too much power Considers the needs of all states Lets people have a voice Protects individual rights

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION In 1777, the Americans wrote their first plan for government in a document called the ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

The Articles of Confederation A confederation is a _________ of individuals _______ together for a _________. group united purpose 4

The Articles of Confederation Each state was _________________ and had its own ________________. Each state would send _______________ to the “Congress of the Confederation.” The Congress was the only ____________ government. There was no ___________. In Congress, each state got _______ vote. independent government representatives central President one

A Rocky Relationship Hey, this sounds great! Wait! Not so fast… States get to keep their ______ and ____________ No _____________ telling the states what to do Congress had the power to create a _________ to ________all the states Congress had no way to __________ its _______! Congress had no power to collect _________ to pay for the military! The Articles could only be _________ if ______ the states agreed! power independence enforce laws government taxes military protect changed ALL

Articles of Confederation A New Idea! Articles of Confederation New Idea 1 Branch Legislative—makes laws 3 Branches

VA v. NJ The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan Legislative branch has ___ “chambers” Number of votes for each state depends on the state’s ___________ ________ states would have more power Drafted by James Madison 2 Legislative branch has ___ “chamber” Each state gets ___ vote ________ states would have more power 1 1 Smaller population Larger

The Constitution Solution: The Great Compromise Legislative: Makes laws Divide Congress Into Two Houses Senate House of Representatives Each state gets 2 votes. (similar to NJ plan) -Began with 26 members -Now has 100 The more people the state has, the more votes it gets! (Similar to VA plan) -Began with about 65 members N-ow has 435 members Executive: Carries out laws Judicial: Interprets laws

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists -Supported Constitution -Against Bill of Rights (thought it was unnecessary) -John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison -Against Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added -Favored states rights and the Articles of Confederation -Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Patrick Henry

Compromises Bill of Rights added to appease Anti-Federalists Bill of Rights included: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition Right to bear arms Right against cruel and unusual punishment Prohibited unlawful search and seizure Right to a trial by jury States rights

Slavery & the Constitution No mention of slavery Slaves made up a ⅓ of the population in 5 of the 13 original states For purposes of seats in the House of Representatives, slaves counted as “three-fifths” of a free person Slaves who escaped to free states were not free Federal government could not ban slave trade

Ms. Ottenberg’s Docket 9/5-9/6 Complete Constitution questions Pick up Ch. 1 Quiz Review guide (not collected, for your reference only) Quiz covers: Preamble (purposes of government) & Ch. 1 notes only! Work on project (if time) Late: Purpose of Gov’t Chart Coming up: Ch. 1 quiz next class, Finish Constitution notes (principles of Constitution), Candidate Profile sheet due 9/13-9/14

Key Constitutional Principles THE CONSTITUTION Key Constitutional Principles

Concept 1: Separation of Powers A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

Concept 2: Checks and Balances A government structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others

Concept 3: Federalism System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

Concept 4: Limited Government National Government May not violate the Bill of Rights May not impose export taxes among states May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill May not change state boundaries A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry. State Government May not enter into treaties with other countries May not print money May not tax imports or exports May not Impair obligations of contracts May not suspend a person's rights without due process

Concept 5: Individual Rights/Liberties The Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments) was added to protect the rights of individuals. This was to ensure the government did not pass or enforce any law that could severely limit the rights of people.

Concept 6: Judicial Review Powers are granted to the judiciary to review and interpret laws. They may uphold or overturn legislation.

Concept 7: Popular Sovereignty This concept provides that the people vote for their government. They elect candidates and decide the issues.