Civics and Government Mrs. Rizzuto

Timeline that influenced the formation of the Constitution Bible: Law of Moses is considered the first written law. Greeks: Several ideas of new governments including democracy were tested Romans: Ideas of the formation of a republic and senate stemmed from their influence.

Continued England: The Magna Carta, English Bill of Right’s, and Parliament changed the monarchical system in Europe. John Locke’s ideas of Natural Rights affect American life style. (life, liberty, property) Mayflower Compact: First democratic government in the American Colonies. The House of Burgesses: A colonial assembly set up in the Virginia Colony.

Continued The Fundamental Order of Connecticut: Reduced the tension between state and religious affairs. Continental Congress: Government during the Revolutionary War. Articles of Confederation: US Government after the Revolutionary War which was to weak to hold the country together.

Constitutional Convention

Quick Facts About The Constitutional Convention James Madison wrote the Virginia Plan which became ¾ of the Current Constitution. The Great Compromise dealt with representation in the Legislative Branch of government. 3/5 Compromise that dealt with the issue of slavery and voting.

The Constitution

Make up of The Constitution United States Government Structure Form of Government: Federal Republic Head of State: President Executive: President Legislature: Bicameral Legislature: House of Representatives representatives; Senate senators Highest Court: Supreme Court Voting Qualifications: Universal suffrage for all citizens age 18 and over

POWERSCHECKS ON EXECUTIVECHECKS ON JUDICIARY Passes federal lawsControls appropriationsSenate approves appointments of judges Passes federal budget, levying taxes and funding executive functions Can override executive vetoes of legislation with a two-thirds vote in each house of Congress Possesses power to impeach and remove judges Establishes lower federal courts, judicial positions Can impeach and remove president Controls appropriations to federal courts Approves treaties and federal appointments Senate can deny confirmation to executive appointees or to treaties with foreign governments Can curb judicial power by adding new judges and creating new court systems Declares warPossesses oversight powersWrites rules that may limit powers of judicial review in certain legislation

POWERSCHECKS ON CONGRESSCHECKS ON JUDICIARY Executes laws passed by Congress Veto over legislationPresident appoints judges Appoints judges and other employees of the federal government Power to convene special session of Congress Can pardon individuals convicted in federal courts Commander-in-chief of armed forces Power to adjourn Congress Negotiates treaties with foreign governments Vice-president presides over Senate, with tie- breaking vote

POWERSCHECKS ON CONGRESSCHECKS ON EXECUTIVE Rules on constitutionality of Congressional legislation and Executive acts Judicial review of legislation Judicial review of Executive acts Chief justice presides over presidential impeachment hearings

Executive Branch

Legislative Branch The House

Legislative Branch The Senate

Judiciary Branch

Judiciary Branch Set Up

Bill of Rights Amendments added to the constitution to protect individual rights of all US citizens The Amendments can be interpreted differently over time. The 14 th amendment is a great example of this. (Segregation of Races)

Poltical Parties