1. Constitutional Principles and Characteristics

2. Principles or characteristics of U.S. Government and Constitution
Popular Sovereignty – the people are the source of power in America (voting)
Federalism – power is split between the national (aka federal and central) gov’t and the state governments
Separation of Powers – power is split between the 3 branches as well as federal and state governments
Checks and balances – keeps any branch from becoming too powerful
Judicial Review – protects rights and ensures all citizens are treated equally

3. Limited Government
The national government (Congress, the President, and the Courts) has limits on its power
Government is limited by:
Written Constitution and Bill of Rights
Courts
Elections
System of Checks & Balances

4. The Constitution is Flexible
Our U.S. Constitution changes with the times
How the Constitution is flexible:
Presidential Actions / Interpretations
Judicial review (Plessy v. Ferguson / Brown v. Board)
Constitution can be amended
Elastic Clause
Article I, Sect. 8: Congress shall make all laws “necessary & proper” based on their delegated powers

5. Contrast Between Constitution & Articles of Confederation
Power: States
No President
State Courts only
Unicameral
9/13 to pass law
Only states tax
Only states control trade
Balance power
President
Supreme Court, State courts
Bicameral
Majority of both
Nat’l gov’t & states tax
Nat’l gov’t controls interstate trade between states

6. The Constitutional is written and finished
Now what???????
The Constitution must now be ratified by the individual states
Ratification process
State conventions - Constitution is sent to all states were the state governments and officials review it and debate the document
Ratification vote – after debating the Constitution the state officials in each state will vote on whether or not to ratify the Constitution
When 9/13 states have ratified the Constitution it officially replaces the Articles

7. Arguments Federalists: Anti-Federalists
Favor a strong national government to protect the rights of people
Claimed a bill of rights was unnecessary because the government’s powers were limited by The Constitution
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay write The Federalists a series of essays supporting the Constitution
Anti-Federalists
Wanted a week national government so more rights were given to the people and the states
Wanted a bill of rights to protect the people against abuses of power
George Mason, Patrick Henry, George Clinton

8. The Federalist The Federalist Papers
85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison
Written in NY looking for approval for ratification
Discussed the new government
John Jay
James Madison

9. Anti-Federalists
Cato, Published under the name “Brutus”,- who killed Caesar
“Letters from the Federal Farmer”- democratic reliance on state and local gov’t.
Patrick Henry
George Mason

10. Another Compromise!
Federalist convince the Anti- Federalist to ratify the Constitution by promising the pass a Bill of Rights
1791 – Bill of Rights = the first ten amendments of the Constitution are passed
Most basic rights and freedoms
Literally states the rights and freedoms Americans have
Limits the power of the government
1789 – 9 states have ratified Constitution = it goes into effect
1790 – all 13 have ratified the Constitution

12. Bill of Rights
1791 – the first ten amendments of the Constitution are passed
They are called the Bill of Rights
Most basic rights and freedoms
Literally states the rights and freedoms Americans have
Limits the power of the government