1. Understanding the Constitution
Chapter 5 – Section 1
Pgs
CA Standard 8.2.6

2. Objectives: Today we will learn about the Constitution.
So we can understand that the Constitution provides the foundation of the U.S. government.
We will know we understand when we can identify the separation of powers that exists between the branches of the federal gov.

3. Federal System
The federal system of gov. is a system that divided powers between the states and the federal gov.
Reflection Q:
The founding fathers wanted the central gov. to be powerful enough to do which 2 things?

4. Legislative Branch This branch makes the nation’s laws
Congress
Article 1 divides Congress into 2 houses
House of Rep=435 members
Unlimited amount of terms

5. House of Representatives
Larger congressional house
435 members
# of reps based on pop
# stays 435 based on apportionment
If a state gains a rep, another state loses a rep
2 year terms
Reflection Q:
What are the 3 guidelines for being a state rep?
1. 25 years old
2. Live in the state where elected
3. U.S. citizen for 7+ years

6. Senate 2 reps/Senators per state Senators represent the entire state
6 year terms
Reflection Q:
What are the 3 guidelines for being a state senator?
years old
2. U.S. citizen for 9+ years
3. Live in the state they represent

7. Leadership
The political party with the majority of member in the majority party
Fewer members = minority party
Reflection Qs:
Who is the Speaker of the House?
Who is the President of the Senate?
What is his job?
Reflection Answers:
Who is the Speaker of the House? Elected by House members from the majority party.
Who is the President of the Senate? U.S. Vice Pres.
What is his job? No debates, but has tie-breaker vote

8. Executive Branch
Article II lists powers
Enforces the nation’s laws

9. President and Vice President
Most powerful elected leader in the U.S.
Qualifications:
Born in the U.S. citizen
35+ years old
Resident for 14+ years
4 year term / Max 2 terms
Reflection Q:
Which amendment limits presidents to two terms?
22nd Amendment
Who was the only president to serve more than 2 terms?
Franklin D. Roosevelt

10. Impeachment House of Reps can impeach a president
Impeachment cases are tried in the Senate
Reflection Q:
Who were the only 2 presidents who were impeached?
1868-Andrew Johnson
1998-Bill Clinton
What was the end result?
Senate found both men “not guilty”

11. Working with Congress The president and Congress must work together
Reflection Q:
Powers of the president?
Veto
Issue executive order
Grant pardons
Powers of Congress?
Passes laws

12. Judicial Branch
The judicial branch determines whether or not laws are constitutional
District Courts
Court of Appeals
Supreme Court
Reflection Q:
Which Article outlines the courts’ duties?
Article III

13. Checking for Understanding

14. Directions: Identify the separation of powers that exists between the branches of the federal government. - For each branch, list the different powers each branch
Separation of Powers
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

15. Separation of Powers
Legislative 1. Writes the laws 2. Confirms presidential appointments 3. Approves treaties 4. Grants money 5. Declares war
Executive
1. Proposes laws
2. Administers the laws
3. Commands the armed forces
4. Appoints ambassadors & other officials
5. Conducts foreign policy
6. Makes treaties
Judicial
1. Interprets the Constitution & other laws
2. Reviews lower-court decision.

16. Analyzing Federalism Activity
One reason the framers of the Constitution delegated some powers to the federal gov. (rather than reserving them for state govs) was to avoid difficult situations between the states

17. You will be divided into small groups
Each will be given a delegated power
The coining of money
Regulating interstate & international trade
Providing for national defense
Declaring war
Conducting diplomacy

18. In your group, you will create skit highlighting the confusion that might occur if state govs held the delegated power.
Each member of the group should participate in the skit in some way
You need a visual to demonstrate the idea that your group is attempting to express.