1. Principles of the Constitution

2. Underlying Principles
Popular Sovereignty– the people rule and have the final say
Limited Government– founders wanted strong central gov. but feared misuse of power
Federalism– division of power between States and Federal govs.

3. The Three Branches
Checks and Balances– system where one branch of gov is controlled by other 2, prevents too much power in one area

4. Legislative Branch–
makes the laws and control spending (appropriation)
Made up of Congress– House of Representatives and Senate
Can ratify treaties, approve presidential appointments, impeach the president, override pres veto, approve judges
Committees within each house, can pass, kill or pigeonhole bills

5. House of Reps– more pop in state= more reps, serve 2 yrs, must be 25 yrs old, 435 members
Senate– all states get 2 votes (Senators), serve 6yrs, must be 30 yrs old, 100 members

6. Judicial Branch: Judge the fairness of laws
District courts- lowest, 94 in country
Appeals courts- losers in district can appeal, 13 in country
Supreme Court- one chief justice and 8 others, highest court, hear cases of national importance, judicial review– decide if laws are constitutional

7. Executive Branch: Enforce laws Pres, VP, and cabinet– 14 offices
Can issue executive orders, pardon, appoint judges and positions, veto laws
Pres has to be 35, born in US, been living here past 14 yrs

8. President has many roles:
Chief Executive— carry out laws
Chief Diplomat— deal with foreign policy
Commander In Chief— in charge of military, war-must have approval from Congress
Chief of State— representative of all people

9. Federalism
Federalism– division of power between states and federal government
Federal or Enumerated Powers: trade between states, print $, declare war, deal with other countries, postal service

10. State or Reserved Powers: local govs, schools, trade within borders, public safety
States can’t make laws that go against Federal Gov

11. Shared or Concurrent Powers: roads, taxes, courts, public welfare, borrow $
If conflicts arise, Constitution is supreme law of the land