The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

 C9.3 The Legislative Branch  makes laws  bicameral = has 2 parts - House of Reps. - Senate  bills = proposals for new laws

 Our Members of Congress House of Representatives Doris Matsui Senators Barbara Boxer & Diane Feinstein

 C9.4 The Executive Branch  carries out the laws  President, VP, cabinet, & several departments  President must defend the Constitution  cabinet members advise the President & head the executive depts.

 Executive Dept. Leaders Today President Barack ObamaVP Joe Biden & Cabinet

 C9.5 The Judicial Branch  interprets the laws  protects the Constitution  federal courts & judges - Supreme Court - appellate courts - district courts  judicial review = power to decide if laws/actions fit the constitution

 Today’s Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor Anthony Kennedy Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. Elena Kagan Clarence Thomas Antonin Scalia John Roberts, Jr. Stephen Breyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 C9.6 Checks and Balances  system that lets each branch limit the power of the others  prevents any from being too powerful

 C9.7 The Amendment Process  amendment = a change in the Constitution  makes the Constitution flexible – can change it as times change  To propose an amendment: - two-thirds vote both houses or legislatures  To approve: - need three fourths of state legislatures or conventions

 Amendments Today  27 amendments total  Bill of Rights – first 10 amendments  Amendment 13 ended slavery  Amendment 15 let men of color vote  Amendment 19 let women vote (1920)  Amendment 26 let 18 year-olds vote

 C9.8 The Federal System  framers wanted strong national govt. with states also having power  federalism = system that shares powers between national & state govts.

 C9.9 Popular Participation in Government  people are expected to participate  majority rule  participate through:  voting  political parties  interest groups