The Principles of the United States Constitution

Establishing a Government  The first Constitution was called “The Articles of Confederation”.  It had many problems (weak national government) so it was revised at “The Constitutional Convention”  The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787  Rhode Island sent no one……why?.

Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan  Virginia Plan called for a strong national government (collect taxes, make laws, enforce laws in court). It also wanted to establish a House of Representatives.  New Jersey Plan was formed to protect the interest of small states. Continue the government under the Articles of Confederation.

Who WON?????  The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) established a bicameral Congress.  The Great Compromise passed by a single vote.  The new Constitution was approved on September 28, 1787 and sent to states to ratify.

I. Popular Sovereignty  Define REPUBLIC  The people hold the ultimate authority  A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.  Phil Gingrey (District 11) is our elected official in Congress

II. Limited Government  Framers wanted to guard against tyranny  Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution.  The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

III. Federalism  The division of power between State and National Governments  Some powers are shared  The National Government has the “supreme power”

IV. Separation of Powers  No one holds “too much” power  Legislative branch makes the laws  Executive branch carries out the laws  Legislative branch interprets the laws

Venn Diagram Executive Legislative Judicial

Legislative Branch  Senate and House of Representatives  Make our laws  Appropriate Money  Regulate Immigration  Establish Post Offices and Roads  Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation  Declare War

Executive Branch  The President of the United States  Chief Executive  Chief of State  Chief Legislator  Commander in Chief

Judicial Branch  Supreme Court and other Federal Courts  Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution  Considers cases involving national laws  Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

V. Checks and Balances  Prevents the abuse of power in government  Each branch can check each other branch

Executive Checks  Propose laws to Congress  Veto laws made by Congress  Negotiate foreign treaties  Appoint federal judges  Grant pardons to federal offenders

Legislative Checks  Override president’s veto  Ratify treaties  Confirm executive appointments  Impeach federal officers and judges  Create and dissolve lower federal courts

Judicial Checks  Declare executive acts unconstitutional  Declare laws unconstitutional  Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional  The Supreme Court holds the final check