U.S. Constitution Creating a Constitution Video Annenberg Classroom

Contents of the U.S. Constitution The Preamble Article 1: The Congress (Senate and House of Rep) Article 2: The Executive (President) Article 3: The Judiciary (Supreme Ct. and Lower Cts.) Article 4: The States Article 5: Process to Amend the Constitution Article 6: Constitution is Supreme Law of the Land Article 7: Process to Ratify this Constitution Amendments 1-10 (Bill of Rights) Amendments 11-27 10 Pages 27 Amendments in 224 Years Read the Constitution

Executive Departments The U.S. Government Organization House Committees Agriculture Appropriations Armed Services Budget EducationEnergy Finance Health Homeland Security Jidiciary Nat. Resources Science Small Business Transportation Veterans Affairs Etc. Senate Committees Agriculture Appropriations Armed Services Budget EducationEnergy Banking Health Homeland Security Jidiciary Nat. Resources Science Commerce Transportation Veterans Affairs Etc. Executive Departments State Dept. Treasury Dept. Defense Dept. Justice Dept. Interior Dept. Agriculture Dept. Labor Dept. Health Dept. Housing Dept. Education Dept. Homeland Security Dept. Veterans Affairs Dept. Lower Federal Courts Circuit Courts (12) District Courts (94)

is built into the structure. A system of Checks & Balances is built into the structure.

Native Americans in the Original US Constitution Indian Tribes were ‘independent, sovereign nations’ before Europeans arrives, and they still were after the United States was created.

Slavery Numeration Clause (Art 1, Sec 2) counted slaves as 3/5 of a person. Importation Clause (Art 1, Sec 9) said importing slaves could not be prohibited prior to 1808 Fugitive Slave Clause (Art 4, Sec 2) said escaped slaves captured in a non-slave state must be returned to the slave owner

Voting Rights left up to each state Most States In the first presidential election of 1789, an average of 6% of the people were eligible to cast a vote. Who Could Vote? Citizen White Male 21 Property Owner

Naturalization Act of 1790 Who Could Become a US Citizen?

The Essential Elements of Democracy Just One View How did the original US Constitution measure up to these criteria ?

The Original US Constitution Components of Democracy “We the People…” (made a bold philosophical statement) Established a constitutional, representative, democratic form of government Entitled some people to vote for their representatives Created a system for holding representatives accountable Separated and placed checks on the government’s exercise of power Read the Constitution

The Original US Constitution Limitations on Democracy Document debated and written by elite white males Allowed and supported the practice of slavery Senators selected by state legislatures, not directly by the people President selected by Electoral College, not directly by the people Judges selected by President & Senate, not directly by the people Voting rights limited to white, male property owners / taxpayers Provided little protection for minorities from the will of the majority Made no provisions for publicly-funded, mass education Read the Constitution

Almost immediately…Amendments 1-10…in 1791 Bill of Rights Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition Right of people to bear arms Soldiers shall not be quartered in private homes Right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, etc., and against unreasonable searches Right to notice of charges, protection from double jeopardy, testifying against oneself, and punishment without due process of law Right to speedy trial by jury, to confront witnesses, to counsel Right to trial by jury Protection against excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishment These stated rights do not mean that people could not have other rights, as well Powers not given to the US in the Constitution are reserved for the States

How have changes or amendments to the U. S How have changes or amendments to the U.S. Constitution Impacted Democracy ? Have amendments to the US Constitution restricted or expanded democracy? Amendments 11-27

Constitutional Amendments 11-27 11. Clearly defines original jurisdiction of Supreme Court (1795) Electoral College for selecting President / VicePresident (1804) Abolished slavery (1865) Established citizenship, representation, and loyalty (1868) Gave suffrage to all males of age, regardless of race (1870) Established Federal Income Tax system (1913) Established popular vote for Senators (1913) Prohibition (1919) 19. Gave women right to vote (1920) Terms of office for Legislature, Presidential succession (1933) Ended Prohibition (1933) Terms limits for President (1951) Gave D.C. electoral votes (1961) Ended poll taxes (1964) Further clarifies Presidential succession (1967) Gave right to vote to all citizens 18 years of age, and older (1971) Legislators cannot give themselves pay raises in an election year (1992)

How have changes or amendments to the U. S How have changes or amendments to the U.S. Constitution Impacted Democracy ? Have amendments to the US Constitution restricted or expanded democracy? Amendments 11-27