1. THE ROAD TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION INTRODUCTION TO LAW THE ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION

2. ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION Societal Questions: Do we need Laws? What would life be like without laws? Where do laws come from? Where do we get our sense of right and wrong? *Morals and Values

3. ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION How did the founding fathers come up with the basic ideas of our Government? Ancient societies established a long history of “written law”. Many societies had published “codes”. Codes are a series of written laws, similar to todays Statutes. This is known as “Codified” law or Statutory Law. Early examples included: Urukagina’s code, Ur-Nammu’s code and Hammurabi’s code. Today, Statutes are enacted by Legislative Bodies. The U.S. Code or the PA Code.

4. ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION The Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by the Theories expressed during the Enlightenment: The Social Contract (Hobbes and Rousseau) Separation of Powers (Montesquieu) Checks and Balances (Montesquieu) Natural Laws(John Locke) Independent Court System (Becerra)

5. ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION The Founding Fathers were also influenced greatly by the concept of “limited government”. They did not want an all powerful autocrat such as a King. Historical British Documents that had limited the power of the King were very influential upon the Founding Fathers. Both the Magna Carte and the English Bill of Rights limited (reduced) the power of the Monarch and secured individual, specified rights for Citizens.

6. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE The Declaration of Independence began the process of “envisioning” the future of American society and government. The founding fathers heavily relied on the teachings of the Enlightenment, in particular the ideas of John Locke and the social contract, and the concept of natural rights. Good Bye King Founding Fathers- who were they?

7. THE U.S. CONSTITUTION Why is it important? The Constitution created a limited government. It limits the power of the federal government- it specifically tells the government what it is allowed to do. Anything not given to the federal government was “reserved” for the states. Created a system of divided power- shared power between the Federal Government and State Governments. The Constitution reflects the Social Contract Theory in that it is our “contract” with our government~ it represents “our consent to be governed.”

8. THE U.S. CONSTITUTION What is it? *The single most important document in the U.S. Legal System. *Written in 1787 and Finally Ratified in 1788. *Chiefly authored by James Madison *Only 4000 words *7 original Articles *27 Amendments *The Rule of Law- no one is above the Law. Built on Principals of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances How does the system of checks and balances work?

9. THE CONSTITUTION- CONTINUED I.Structure: Preamble, 7 Articles, Bill of Rights, 17 Additional Amendments. a. Preamble- What was its purpose? We the PeopleWe the People…. b. Articles: i.The Legislative Branch ii.The Executive Branch iii.The Judicial Branch iv. Relations between states v.The Amendment Process vi.National Supremacy Vii.Ratification Process 3 Ring Circus

10. PREAMBLE COLLAGE With a partner or 2 (or on your own if you choose) you are to create a visual representation of the 6 key principles of the Preamble. When you read them, what do you visualize- what comes to mind? The assignment is on page 7 in the packet. You are required to complete 3 tasks as follows: 1) Create a collage of images reflecting the principles 2) Write an explanation of what each principle means. to you and why you selected the image that you did. 3) Be able to discuss your product after it is completed.

11. THE CONST. – CONT. c. Bill of Rights- Amendments 1-10. Civil liberties are established and protected by the bill of rights. d.Amendments 11-27. Only amended 17 times since 1791. Most recent amendment was 1992. II.The Constitution now serves as the basis for the longest operating government in existence without change. III.The U.S. Constitution also serves as the model for many fledgling democracies enacting Constitutions. Constitutional Inspiration

12. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER… Origins of our Government Documentary….

13. THE BILL OF RIGHTS The Bill of Rights was originally a controversial proposal at the time of the Constitutional Convention. However, the idea of religious freedom provided momentum in incorporating the Bill of Rights at the time of the Constitution Convention. The history of Religious Freedom in the U.S.Religious Freedom.