Chapter 3-4 The Constitution and Federalism

Constitution 7,000 words total “Supreme law of the land” Written largely by James Madison Built on 6 Principles:

#1 Popular Sovereignty Ppl are only source of gov pwr; ppl give gov the pwr they need to rep them.

#2 Limited Gov. Gov is limited b/c ppl have unalienable rights. Gov must obey guidelines of consti. Rule of Law-gov and it’s officers are always subj to law

#3 Separation of Powers Pwr distributed amg 3 separate branches (i.e. leg., exe., and judicial) so one branch isn’t too pwrfull.

Separation of Pwrs

#4 Checks and Balances Each branch can check the others: Cong-override veto w/ 2/3 vote in both houses Pres-Names Sup. Crt justices w/ Senate approval; can veto bills Sup. Crt-Judicial Review-pwr to declare act or action unconstitutional

Checks and Balances

#5 Judicial Review Pwr to declare something unconstitutional-130+ cases have been declared unconstitutional since the crts creation. Over time pwr has evolved, especially with growth of media.

#6 Federalism Division of pwr among central gov and several regional gov’ts.

Structure of Constitution Subject States the purpose Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch Relations among the States and with the National Government Amending the Constitution National debts, supremacy of national law, and oaths of office Ratifying the Constitution Section Preamble Article I Article II Article III Article IV Article V Article VI Article VII

Did you get it??? Article II of the Constitution establishes the powers of the (a) executive branch. (b) legislative branch. (c) States. (d) judicial branch. 2.The principle of popular sovereignty asserts that the (a) government should be divided into three branches. (b) monarch is the supreme ruler. (c) means of production should be owned by the proletariat. (d) people are the source of any and all government power.

2 Ways to Change Constitution 1.Formal Amendment (4 Ways) 2.Informal Amendment (5 Ways)

Amending the Consti.

Formal Amendment

Amendments

Bill of Rights

Informal Amendments 1.) the passage of basic legislation by Congress 2.) actions taken by the President 3.) key decisions of the Supreme Court 4.) the activities of political parties 5.) custom

Did you get it??? 1.An informal amendment can be established by (a) actions taken by the President. (b) custom. (c) key decisions of the Supreme Court. (d) all of the above. 2.An executive agreement is (a) a promise from the President to the legislature. (b) a pact made by the President directly with the head of a foreign state. (c) a decision made by the President and his cabinet members. (d) the contract the President signs when he accepts the office.

Assignment In your workbook, complete chapter 3 sections 1-3 for next time.

Federalism Division of pwr b/w a central gov and several regional gov.

Federalism

Delegated Pwrs of Nat’l Gov Expressed (i.e. Enumerated pwrs)-expressed in consti. Implied (i.e. Necessary and Proper Clause, Article 1, sect. 8) not expressed but interpreted. Inherent (Inherited over time) not expressed but ones that the gov has to have in order to work.

Division of Pwrs

Supremacy Clause: Constitution is “Supreme Law of the Land.”

Process of Admitting New States 1. Cong. Passes an Enabling Act 2. State creates a constitution of their own 3. If state constitution is approved by congress, there is an Act of Admission issued.

Assignment: Do Chapter 4, Sect. 1-2 in your workbook

Review Assignment Create a 25 Question Test: Use these formats: M/C, Listing, Matching, Short Answer. Include answers in the test that are highlighted.

Post-it Note Activity 7 Articles of Constitution6 Principles of Constitution 2 Ways to Formally Amend Consti. 7 Amendments (Besides BOR) 5 Ways to Informally Amend Consti. 3 Powers of Gov’t from Consti. Individual and Concurrent Powers of State, Federal Gov. Supremacy Clause/Necessary and Proper Clause 3 Steps to Admit New States