1. The Constitution

2. Bill of Rights From memory, list the Bill of Rights in order
In your opinion what is the most important Bill of Rights and why?
Is there one that we can live without?

4. Vocabulary- Section 1 Popular Sovereignty Implied Powers
Limited Government
Enumerated Government
Define the following in your notebook
Reserved Power
Concurrent Power
Separation of Powers

5. “We the People….”
Lays the foundation for the American system of government
Popular Sovereignty
Preamble makes clear that the people hold the power
How do the people rule the United States?
Republic form of government
People rule through elected representatives
Republic=Representative Government
Need a government stronger than the one the Articles of Confederation established
Limited Government: the powers of government are strictly defined

6. Federalism
Many state governments and a single federal government share power
Constitution created the federal system
How is the power distributed?
Enumerated powers- specifically given to Congress
Coin money
Regulate interstate and foreign trade
Maintain the armed forces
Create federal courts

7. Reserved Powers- belong to the states
Not specifically listed
10th Amendment declares that all powers not specifically granted to the federal government “are reserved to the States.”
Establish schools
Pass marriage and divorce laws
Regulate trade within a state

8. Concurrent Powers Powers shared by the federal and state governments
Raise taxes
Borrow money
Provide for public welfare
Carry out criminal justice

10. Separation of Powers Power separated into three branches Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Each branch of government has different powers, responsibilities and duties

12. Individual Rights
The original Constitution did not include the Bill of Rights in 1787
Was added in 1791
Bill of Rights guarantee basic freedoms and liberties
Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech and press
Freedom to assemble and protest
Right to bear arms
Right to a speedy and public trial by jury
Right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures
Freedom from “cruel and unusual” punishments

13. Amending the Constitution
One of world’s oldest written documents but also one of the shortest
Allowed the government to adapt to changing times and deal with challenges the Framers never thought of
Hundreds of amendments have been suggested
Only amended 27 times
Two step process
Step 1: Proposal
A constitutional amendment can be proposed in one of two ways
By 2/3 of the members of both the House and Senate
At a convention called by 2/3 of the states
Step 2: Ratification
After an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified. This too can be done two ways
By ¾ of the state legislatures
By ¾ of ratifying conventions in the states

14. Federal Government

15. Legislative Branch Congress House of Representatives Senate
States representation is based on its population
Must be 25 years old
Unlimited terms of two years
Current House members: 435
Florida’s House Representatives: 27
100 members
2 per state
Must be 30 years old
Unlimited 6 year terms

16. Executive Branch President and Vice President each serve 4 year terms
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Education
President can only hold that position for 2 terms
Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Presidential Cabinet
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Defense
Secretary of the Treasury
Secretary of state
Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of Labor
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Homeland Security
Secretary of Veteran Affairs
Secretary of the Navy
Secretary of Agriculture

17. El Presidente Hats worn by the President
Chief of State: Ceremonial head of the United States
Chief Executive: The holder of the executive power of the United States
Chief Administrator: Leader of the executive branch of the federal government
Chief Diplomat: The main architect of American foreign policy and the nation’s chief spokesperson to other countries
Commander in Chief: In charge of the nation’s armed forces
Chief Legislator: Main author of public policy
Chief of Party: Leader of his or her political party
Chief Citizen: Representative of all the people
El Presidente

18. Judicial Branch
Article III established the Supreme Court and allowed for Congress to create lower courts
District Courts
Main trial courts
Appeals Courts
Hear cases of appeals from the lower courts
Supreme Court is at the top of the legal system
Rulings are never appealed
Power of judicial review over the executive and legislative branches

19. Supreme Court Justices
Nominated by the President and approved by Congress
9 justices today
Chief justice
8 associate justices
In position until death or retirement
Can be removed for bad behavior
First Woman Justice: Sandra Day O’Connor (Regan nominated)
First Minority Justice: Thurgood Marshall (Johnson nominated)

20. Being a Citizen
With rights come responsibilities. As a citizen what are your responsibilities to this country? Why do you have the responsibilities? Are they necessary and fair?

21. Being a Citizen of the Red, White and Blue
Rights fall into 3 categories
Right to be protected from unfair government action
Right to be treated equally with others
Right to enjoy basic freedoms
5th Amendment
No one shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law
14th Amendment
Guarantees all people equal protection

22. Duties & Responsibilities
Anyone born in the US is a citizen and is granted all rights
US soil includes American territories and military bases
Also if you are born outside of the US and one of your parents is American
Duties we must do
Responsibilities are things we should do