The Constitution

Themes of the Constitution Popular sovereignty –Power comes from the people (“We the people…”) –A gov’t of the people, not of the states. Federalism –Power is shared between a national gov’t and state gov’ts. Delegated Powers: Reserved Powers: Concurrent (Shared) Powers Separation of Powers –Executive, Judicial, Legislative Checks and Balances

Parts of the Constitution The Preamble The Articles I – Legislative II – Executive III – Judicial IV-VII – Misc. The Amendments –1-10 = Bill of Rights

Legislative Branch Congress Bi-Cameral House –435 members –2 year terms –Requirements Senate –2 per state –6 year terms –“continuous body” 1/3 elected –Requirements

Executive Branch President –4 year terms; two term limit –Qualifications VP Cabinet Executive Agencies

Judicial Branch Supreme Court –9 justices –Jobs = “judicial review”; settle disputes between the states Appellate Courts Federal District Courts

Amendments The Bill of Rights Freedom of Expression… 1.Free speech, free press, right to assemble, right to petition the government, freedom of religion. Protections against standing armies… 2.Right to bear arms. 3.No quartering of soldiers. Rights of accused persons… 4.No searches and seizures of property without a warrant. 5.No “double jeopardy”; can’t be forced to testify against yourself; cannot have life, liberty or property taken away with “due process.” 6.Right to a speedy, public trial, with a impartial jury. The right to confront witnesses and see the evidence against you. The right to an attorney. 7.Right to a jury in all civil cases (lawsuits) where over $20.00 is at stake. 8.No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishments. Reserved rights… 9.The listing of the rights in amendments 1-8 does not mean that there are not other rights. These “unenumerated rights” are retained by the people. 10.All powers not delegated to the United States, and not forbidden of the states, are reserved to the states.