1. Lesson 2: Introduction to the US Constitution

2. Principles and Powers Popular Sovereignty – “We the People” Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Limited Government

3. Federalism Delegated/Expressed/National
Declare war, print money, handle foreign affairs
Concurrent – shared
Taxes, courts, punish criminals
State/reserve
Schools, marriage laws, create local governments

4. Separation of Powers
Executive – President – enforce/carry out/execute the laws
Legislative – Congress – make the laws
Judicial – Supreme Court – define/interpret the laws – declare unconstitutional

5. The Beginning Articles of Confederation – not working
Finally met in Philadelphia (Ind. Hall) led by Hamilton, Madison, and Washington. Franklin the oldest.
55 members, 12 out of 13 states – all wanted a Republic, all wanted a Congress – lot of tempers – some walked out

6. The Great Compromise
Big states (large population) wanted Congress passed on population.
Small states wanted it equal.
Compromised – 2 houses (bicameral)
House – population
Senate – equal (2)

7. James Madison Father of the Constitution
Wanted a strong central government
150 speeches during the debate
Wrote most of Constitution
Elected to House – helped draft basic laws
Wrote the Bill of Rights
Later became President

8. The Constitution Made up of three parts
Preamble, the Articles (7), and the Amendments (27)
Passed in 1789, Bill of Rights added 1791

9. Review
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