The Constitution Basic Principles
Set up Preamble Articles 1-3 branches of National Government 7 total
Limited Government Why the establishment of a government limited to specific duties and responsibilities? Rule of Law Separation of Powers
The Legislative Branch: “Makes the Law” Checks the Executive Branch Makes laws that the Executive Branch must enforce Appropriates Funds to the President Over-rides Presidential vetoes with a two-thirds vote Can impeach the President Senate Approves or rejects Presidential Appointments and treaties Checks the Judicial Branch Creates the lower courts in the Judicial Can Impeach Judges Approves or rejects the appointment of judges
The Executive Branch: “Enforces the Law” Checks the Legislative Branch Can veto legislation Can call a special session of Congress Can recommend legislation Can appeal to the people to motivate Congressional actions Checks the Judicial Branch Appoints Supreme Court Judges and other Federal Judges
The Judicial Branch: “Interprets the Law” Checks the Legislative Branch Can declare acts of Congress to be unconstitutional Checks the Executive Branch Judges are appointed for life and are free from executive control Can declare Presidential actions to be unconstitutional
Amendments Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights: The First Ten Amendments of the Constitution
1. First Amendment: Freedom of Speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, right to assemble, and right to petition
2. Second Amendment: The right to bear arms
3. Third Amendment: The National Government may not quarter troops in a citizen’s home without consent
4. Fourth Amendment: Protection against unwarranted searches and seizures
5. Fifth Amendment: (1) Grand Jury Indictment required for serious crimes (2) Due Process is guaranteed (3) Protection from double jeopardy: Cannot be tried for the same crime twice (4) Protection from self-incrimination (5) The government cannot take private property without just financial compensation (eminent domain)
6. Sixth Amendment: The right to a fair and speedy trial (criminal cases)
7. Seventh Amendment: Individuals have the right to a trial by jury in civil cases
8. Eighth Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishments and protection from excessive bail
9. Ninth Amendment: Guarantees rights not expressed specifically in the Constitution (innumerable rights)
10. Tenth Amendment: Powers not delegated to the National Government are reserved to the states (reserved powers)
Other Constitutional Changes
Informal Changes Basic Legislation Executive Action Court Decisions Executive Agreement Court Decisions Party Practices Electoral college
Customs Presidential Cabinet Presidential succession 15 executive departments Presidential succession 25th Amendment Presidential Customs Bible swear in & “so help me God” 2 term limit
Closure What is the importance of rule of law in the United States? How do Checks and Balances prevent and one branch of government from becoming too powerful? How many Amendments are currently in the Constitution? How many have been overturned? What are some ways that unwritten customs can influence policy making?