Seven Government Principles Federalism – powers of government are divided (and shared) between the national (federal) and state governments. Limited Government – government is not all-powerful; members of the government must follow the law. Individual Rights – people have basic rights that the government cannot take away. Popular Sovereignty: the people rule; the power of government comes from the people; people control their government through voting. Republicanism – government is run by elected representatives (‘reps’ of the ‘public’). Checks and Balances – each branch of the national (federal) government can limit or control the other two branches (to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful) Separation of Powers –the power of the national (federal) government is separated into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. FLIPRCS= mnemonic “Flip rocks”

Principles in Founding Documents Magna Carta – limited government, individual rights, & separation of powers Virginia House of Burgesses – popular sovereignty & republicanism Mayflower Compact – popular sovereignty Fundamental Orders of Connecticut – popular sovereignty & limited government English Bill of Rights – individual rights, limited government, & separation of powers

Three Branches: Legislative Executive Judicial The Constitution Three Branches: Legislative Executive Judicial

Legislative Branch Article I Congress **BICAMERAL** House of Representatives Senate Makes the laws Representation based on population Two representatives from each state

The House of Representatives The Lower House The House of Representatives There are 435 representatives. The more people that live in a state, the more representatives it has. Representatives serve for a term of two years. They can be elected for more than one term.

The Upper House The Senate There are 100 senators. Each state has two senators. A Senator is in office for 6 years. This is called a “term.” They can be elected for more than one term Senators meet in the U.S. Capitol building The Senate

The Powers of Congress Enumerated Powers (Expressed): Impose taxes Borrow funds Regulate interstate commerce and international trade Establish naturalization procedures Establish bankruptcy laws Coin and print money Punish counterfeiters Establish post offices Regulate copyrights Establish courts Punish piracy Declare war Maintain an army and a navy (Power of Purse)

Executive Branch Article II President Requirements Must enforce the laws Elected for a 4 year term Elected by the Electoral College Must be a natural born citizen Must be at least 35 years old Receives a salary which cannot be changed while s/he is in office Swears (promises) to preserve, Protect, and defend the Constitution

Executive Branch continued Powers Commander-In-Chief of the military Can require written opinions from advisors Pardoning and reprieving for crimes other than treason Make treaties (with consent of the Senate) Nominate & appoint ambassadors & federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices (w/ consent for Senate)

Executive Branch cont Commission all officers of the U.S. Powers cont. Commission all officers of the U.S. Convene either or both Houses of Congress. Receive ambassadors from other countries

Executive Branch cont Duties Penalty Give Congress information on the State of the Union (condition of the nation) Recommend measures that s/he considers necessary for the benefit of the country See that all laws are faithfully executed (carried out or enforced) Can be removed from office for conviction of bribery, treason, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. Commission all officers of the U.S. Convene either or both Houses of Congress. Receive ambassadors from other countries

Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton Secretary of the Treasury: Timothy Geithner Secretary of Defense: Robert M. Gates Department of Justice Attorney General: Eric Holder Secretary of the Interior: Ken Salazar Secretary of Agriculture: Tom Vilsack Secretary of Commerce: Gary Locke Secretary of Labor: Hilda Solis Secretary of Health and Human Services: Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Shaun Donovan Secretary of Transportation: Ray LaHood Secretary of Energy: Steven Chu Secretary of Education: Arne Duncan Secretary of Veterans' Affairs: Eric Shinseki Secretary of Homeland Security: Janet Napolitano

U.S. Supreme Court 2012 9 Important People

Judicial Branch Article III Requirements Job Power No age requirement No residency requirement Put in office by Presidential nomination: Senate confirmation Term of office is LIFE! Hear cases Interpret the Constitution Utilize “JUDICIAL REVIEW” {Marbury v Madison 1803}

Judicial Branch Supreme Court Appeals courts 1 Chief Justice 8 Associate Justices Only hears cases it decides to hear Cases may begin in federal or state courts 12 circuit courts of appeals Hear cases from district courts Hear cases from some federal agencies

District Courts 94 districts; each has at least one court The “trial” courts of the federal system Handles civil and criminal cases.

The Federal Court System Dual court system (state and federal). Basic Judicial Requirements: Jurisdiction (authority of a court to hear a case) Federal Question (Does it involve the Constitution?) Diversity of Citizenship (citizens from different states?)

Types of Federal Courts U.S. District Courts (Trial Courts) Intermediate U.S. Courts of Appeals (Thirteen total, hear appeals from district courts) United States Supreme Court (Has original jurisdiction, but most work is appellate)