1. The United States Constitution
Chapter 5

2. Bellringer
First, read the learning goal at the top of your unit pacing guide and rate yourself on the progress monitoring chart. KEEP THIS OUT ON YOUR DESK!
When you have completed that, begin answering the following prompt in your bellringers:
Think of a time that you failed at something. How did you learn from your mistake to improve for the next time?

3. Think about it…
We just declared independence from Britain…what do we do next?????
What would the colonists (now Americans) want their government to look like?

4. Our first constitution….FAILED.

5. Exit Ticket On the lined side of the index card, write your name.
On the lined side, write one thing that you understand about why the Articles of Confederation did not work (provide an example).
On the blank side, write one question you still have about why the Articles of Confederation failed.

6. “Articles of Confederation”

7. “Articles of Confederation”
The “Articles of Confederation” was the first attempt at a constitution for the United States.
A “confederation” is a group of individuals (or governments) who band together for a common purpose.

8. Problems Quickly Begin!
The “Articles of Confederation” created a one house legislature, with each state having one vote.
BUT, it had no power to enforce laws or collect taxes!

9. Problems Quickly Begin!
1781, all 13 states had “ratified”, or approved, the constitution.
But to pass any laws, 9 of the 13 states had to agree.
To “amend”, or change, any parts required a unanimous vote!

10. It seemed like THIS…

11. But it is really THIS!!

12. Looks good, but no real power!

13. Bellringer
Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles made it difficult for the new government to function.

14. Debate Breaks Out: “Federalists vs
Debate Breaks Out: “Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists” Each wrote a series of papers in support of their side!!!

15. “Federalists”
“Federalists” were supporters of the Constitution as it was written.
Believed in a strong central government.

16. “Anti-Federalists”
“Anti-Federalists” opposed the Constitution as it was written.
Believed that it gave the federal (or national) government too much power & did not provide for the rights of the people.

17. “Federalist Papers”
In essays entitled “The Federalist Papers”, they argued that the U.S. could not survive without a strong federal government.
Believed in “federalism”, or a form of government in which power is divided among the federal and state governments.
Led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, & John Jay

18. “Anti-Federalist Papers”
“Anti-Federalists Papers” demanded that the new Constitution protect the basic individual rights of the people – they wanted a “bill of rights” added.
Led by Patrick Henry

19. Discussion Questions What was Hamilton’s position on representation?
What was Smith’s position?
What arguments did they make in support of their claims?
Based on these arguments, what type of people would you guess tended to be Federalists? Anti-Federalists?
If you could have chosen, what side would you have supported?
Do you see versions of these issues being debated today?

20. “Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists”
The Anti-Federalists lost the battle, but won the war….
The “Federalists” promised to include a “bill of rights”, if the “Anti-Federalists” lessened their opposition

21. “Supreme Law of the Land”

22. “Supreme Law of the Land”
The “U.S. Constitution” is the highest authority in the nation.
All power of the U.S. Government is derived from this document.

23. Three Parts of the Constitution
Preamble - Introduction or goals of the Constitution
The 7 Articles - (LEJ RASR): Body of the Constitution; provides the outline for our government.
The 27 Amendments - Includes the Bill of Rights and 17 other “changes” to the Constitution

24. The “Preamble”

25. “Preamble” The introduction to our Constitution is called the Preamble.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
The phrase “We the People” illustrates our belief in popular sovereignty, that the government gets it power from the people – the people rule!
This portion of the Constitution lists the six goals of our government.

26. Goal #1: To Form a more perfect Union
To unite the states more effectively so they can operate as a single nation, for the good of all

27. Goal #2: To establish Justice
To create a system of fair laws and courts and make certain that all citizens are treated equally.

28. Goal #3: To insure domestic Tranquility
To maintain peace and order, keeping citizens and property safe from harm.

29. Goal #4: To provide for the common defense
To be ready militarily to protect the country and its citizens from outside attack.

30. Goal #5: To promote the general Welfare
To help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

31. Goal #6: To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
To guarantee the freedom and basic rights of all Americans, including future generations (“posterity”).
In order to carry out these goals, we the people ordain (declare or decree) this as our plan for government – our constitution!

32. Bellringer
Explain at least one way that the government tries to fulfill its goal of insuring “domestic tranquility”.

33. The “Articles” Lists the functions and purposes of the government

34. Article I – “L”
Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (U.S. Congress).
It creates the “Senate” and the “House of Representatives”.
Congress has the task of “making laws”.
Only Congress can declare war or coin money.

35. Article II – “E” Article II establishes the Executive Branch
U.S. President & Vice President.
It establishes procedures for electing the president and vice president
President has the task of “carrying out laws”.

36. Article III – “J” Article III establishes the Judicial Branch
U.S. Supreme Court and other lower courts.
Their main job is to try cases and interpret the laws

37. Article IV – “R”
Article IV establishes the relations of the states and the rights of citizens.
It establishes “good will” among states.
Promises U.S. protection of the states.

38. Article V – “A” Article V discusses the Amending the Constitution
To amend (or change) allows the Constitution to change with the times.
We currently have 27 Amendments
“Bill of Rights” are the first 10 amendments

39. Article VI -- “S”
Article VI discusses the “supremacy” of the Constitution.
The Constitution is the highest authority in the land.
If state law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution wins.

40. Article VII – “R” Article VII discusses the “ratification”
of the Constitution.
To Ratify means to Approve
It required 9 out of 13 states to ratify before the Constitution would go into effect.

41. Case Study Questions What is the case study about?
What amendment was at issue in the case study?
What was the problem in the case study scenario/.
What did the group decide the court’s ruling would be?

42. Exit Ticket
Do you agree or disagree with the outcome of the case? Use evidence or reasons fro the case to support your answer.