The Constitution est United States of America est By Mr. Peterson est. 1981

Preamble We the people of the United States… It begins with “We the people” to describe that we (as in citizens) run the government. It begins with “We the people” to describe that we (as in citizens) run the government. The Preamble lists the ideas that we want to have in our nation to insure equality. The Preamble lists the ideas that we want to have in our nation to insure equality.

Article 1 The Legislature Describes how the Legislature, aka Congress should act (refer to your worksheet) Describes how the Legislature, aka Congress should act (refer to your worksheet) The main role of Congress is to make laws and levy taxes The main role of Congress is to make laws and levy taxes Congress elected by citizens to represent citizens in government. Congress elected by citizens to represent citizens in government. Two Houses…House of Representatives and the Senate Two Houses…House of Representatives and the Senate

The Senate 100 Senators (2 from each state) 6 year term U.S. Vice President- Leader of Senate (rarely present) U.S. Vice President- Leader of Senate (rarely present) President Pro-Tempore- The most senior Senate member (majority party). President Pro-Tempore- The most senior Senate member (majority party). Senate Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. Senate Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. Senate Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party. Senate Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party.

The House of Representatives (based on population) 435 total 2 year term Speaker of the House- Leader of the House, elected by majority party from majority party. Speaker of the House- Leader of the House, elected by majority party from majority party. House Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. House Majority Leader- Leader of the majority party. House Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party. House Minority Leader- Leader of the minority party.

Article 2 Executive Branch The President and Vice President are the leaders of the executive branch. The President and Vice President are the leaders of the executive branch. Commands the military and makes foreign treaties with the Senate’s approval. Commands the military and makes foreign treaties with the Senate’s approval. Appoints advisors called his/her Presidential Cabinet. Appoints advisors called his/her Presidential Cabinet. Serves a 4 year term…maximum of 10 yrs. Serves a 4 year term…maximum of 10 yrs. Elected through the electoral college. Elected through the electoral college.

What the heck is the Electoral College Each state is assigned a number of delegates based on the amount of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives in their state Each state is assigned a number of delegates based on the amount of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives in their state Don’t Write example Minnesota has 10 (2 Senators and 8 Representatives) Don’t Write example Minnesota has 10 (2 Senators and 8 Representatives) If a presidential contender receives the majority of the vote in the specific state, he/she wins all of the states delegates. If a presidential contender receives the majority of the vote in the specific state, he/she wins all of the states delegates. In order to win the presidency, you must receive at least half of the delegates (538 possible) In order to win the presidency, you must receive at least half of the delegates (538 possible)

Why the Electoral College The framers wanted a safety net for the presidential election. The framers wanted a safety net for the presidential election. They believed that Americans (back then) were for the most part uneducated and could possibly choose a bad president without knowing. They believed that Americans (back then) were for the most part uneducated and could possibly choose a bad president without knowing. They decided that the people could vote for the president, but the electors would ultimately choose the president. They decided that the people could vote for the president, but the electors would ultimately choose the president. Despite Electoral College, the electors have always followed what the voters have wanted. Despite Electoral College, the electors have always followed what the voters have wanted.

So what can/does he/she do? May recommend laws to congress May recommend laws to congress May call emergency congress sessions in time of crises May call emergency congress sessions in time of crises Appoints ambassadors to foreign countries. Appoints ambassadors to foreign countries. Appoints federal judges (with Senate approval) Appoints federal judges (with Senate approval) Can pardon any federal crimes Can pardon any federal crimes Can veto acts of Congress Can veto acts of Congress Can call for executive orders for up to 90 days to handle emergency situations. (doesn’t need congress approval) Can call for executive orders for up to 90 days to handle emergency situations. (doesn’t need congress approval)

Article 3 The Judiciary Defines the Judiciary to interpret the laws. Defines the Judiciary to interpret the laws. Supreme Court is the highest court, takes on Constitutional issues only (no criminal) Supreme Court is the highest court, takes on Constitutional issues only (no criminal) Underneath is a system of courts that covers everything from criminal courts to civil courts. Underneath is a system of courts that covers everything from criminal courts to civil courts. Can declare the executive and legislature to be unconstitutional. Can declare the executive and legislature to be unconstitutional.

Articles 4-7 Article 4 Article 4 States must honor one another’s laws, records, and rulings. States must honor one another’s laws, records, and rulings. Article 5 Article 5 The Constitution may be amended, but needs to have 2/3rds majority to propose, and 3/4ths to ratify it. The Constitution may be amended, but needs to have 2/3rds majority to propose, and 3/4ths to ratify it. Article 6 Supremacy of the National Govt. Article 6 Supremacy of the National Govt. The Constitution, national laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, national laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. Article 7 Ratification Article 7 Ratification 9 of the 13 states must ratify the constitution for it to go into effect. 9 of the 13 states must ratify the constitution for it to go into effect.

Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments) A list of rights that “people are entitled to against the government” A list of rights that “people are entitled to against the government” Basically that means: Basically that means: Rights that are guaranteed to every citizen to protect them from the government. Rights that are guaranteed to every citizen to protect them from the government. They are called Amendments because they were “added” to the Constitution. They are called Amendments because they were “added” to the Constitution. Amendments (not called Bill of Rights) were added later throughout time. Amendments (not called Bill of Rights) were added later throughout time.