Constitutional Framework

U.S Constitution Constitution is the highest law of the land Constitution is the highest law of the land Sets the basic framework of our government Sets the basic framework of our government Lists the governments’ powers, the limits on those powers, and the freedoms that cannot be taken away. Lists the governments’ powers, the limits on those powers, and the freedoms that cannot be taken away.

What are the powers of the three branches of government? Executive Branch: Enforces the laws and often issues executive orders that have the force of law Executive Branch: Enforces the laws and often issues executive orders that have the force of law –Ex: Using government oil reserves after Hurricane Katrina Legislative Branch: Passes laws or statutes Legislative Branch: Passes laws or statutes Judicial Branch: Clarifies and in some instances establishes laws through its rulings Judicial Branch: Clarifies and in some instances establishes laws through its rulings

Constitutional Principles Limited Government: government only has powers that are granted to it by the people Limited Government: government only has powers that are granted to it by the people Separation of Powers: Division of power between three branches of government Separation of Powers: Division of power between three branches of government Checks and Balances: Each branch can prevent the others from abusing its powers Checks and Balances: Each branch can prevent the others from abusing its powers

Examples of Checks and Balances Congressional investigations of the actions of the President Congressional investigations of the actions of the President President vetoes or refuse to approve congressional statutes President vetoes or refuse to approve congressional statutes Judicial Review: Enables a court to declare unenforceable any law passed by Congress or a state legislature that conflicts with the Constitution Judicial Review: Enables a court to declare unenforceable any law passed by Congress or a state legislature that conflicts with the Constitution

Federalism According to the Constitution, states have the power to limit the power of the government According to the Constitution, states have the power to limit the power of the government Division of power between state and federal government is known a Federalism Division of power between state and federal government is known a Federalism Powers not specifically given to the federal government belong to the states Powers not specifically given to the federal government belong to the states

Bill of Rights First 10 Amendment to the Constitution First 10 Amendment to the Constitution Defines and guarantees fundamental rights and liberties Defines and guarantees fundamental rights and liberties –Freedoms of speech, religion, press, and the right to bear arms

Changing the Constitution Amending the Constitution is difficult Amending the Constitution is difficult This was done purposely to prevent many changes to the document This was done purposely to prevent many changes to the document Our constitution has 27 Amendments Our constitution has 27 Amendments

Constitutional Principles Complete problem 1.8, on page 18 Complete problem 1.8, on page 18 Use your notes and pages as a reference Use your notes and pages as a reference

Possible Answers A: Judicial Review A: Judicial Review Federalism Federalism Checks and Balances, Judicial Review Checks and Balances, Judicial Review