1. Reviewing AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
MODULE 2C. CHANGING CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
Reviewing AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

2. LEARNING TARGET 7
Select an example of how constitutional government in the United States has changed the meaning and application of any one of the basic principles that help define the government of the United States and summarize the nature of the change.
The operations of government in the United States take place within a framework provided by the U.S. Constitution. However, the U.S. Constitution has been amended, interpreted, supplemented and implemented in a variety of ways.

3. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Constitutional amendments - added to, modified, replaced and/or made inoperable (incapable of being carried out) provisions of the original document and previous amendments
Examples
Bill of Rights added individual liberties not previously listed
13th Amendment - outlawed slavery - made fugitive slave clause of the Constitution moot
21st Amendment - repealed 18th Amendment
22nd Amendment - added a provision that limited the President to two terms

4. SUPREME COURT CASES
The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted provisions of the U.S. Constitution to clarify and extend their meaning
E.g., Gibbons v. Ogden decision clarified and extended the meaning of the commerce clause
Judicial review - Supreme Court has declared actions of the political branches and of the states to be unconstitutional
E.g., Brown vs. Board of Education decision declared state laws on school segregation unconstitutional

5. CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION
Provided details that build upon the framework of the Constitution
E.g., civil rights acts and voting rights acts have provided specific directions in furtherance of constitutional principles.

6. INFORMAL PRACTICES
Related to provisions in the Constitution, but venture into areas not specifically addressed in the Constitution
E.g., legislative oversight of the executive branch grew in part out of Congress’ need for information to help draft new legislation

7. REVIEW AND PRACTICE
As you watch the video below, take notes on how judicial review has clarified and extended the meaning of Constitutional provisions.

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REVIEW AND PRACTICE
Highlight the correct answer to the question below. An 1876 law provided that postmasters shall be appointed and may be removed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. President Woodrow Wilson removed Myers, a postmaster first class, without seeking Senate approval. In the case Myers v. United States, the Supreme Court determined the law was unconstitutional because the power to remove appointed officers is vested in the President alone.
What kind of practice is exemplified in the situation described? A. federal appeal B. judicial review C. limited government D. popular sovereignty
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REVIEW AND PRACTICE
Move the three principles of government into the boxes next to the amendments they relate to.
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Amendment text excerpts
Principle
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years...
The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit … prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State.
Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...
Federalism
Limited government
Popular sovereignty

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REVIEW AND PRACTICE
Answer the question below in the space provided. Why did it take the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution in to make alcohol manufacture, sale, transportation, importation, or exportation legal again?
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REVIEW AND PRACTICE
Highlight the correct boxes for each column below.
In the case Martin v. Hunter's Lessee (1816), the Supreme Court held that under Article III, the federal courts have jurisdiction to hear all cases arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States, whether those cases are filed in state or federal courts.
A. Method B. Principle C. Result
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Legislation
Separation of powers
Power of federal government limited
Amendment
Popular sovereignty
Power of federal courts upheld
Judicial review
Federalism
New check against judicial branch added
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Informal practice
Limited government
State authority increased

12. REVIEW AND PRACTICE
Click here for the Edcite Mastery Assessment Note: this assessment includes content from Modules 2A, 2B, and 2C.

13. CREDITS Developed by Columbus City Schools
Office of Teaching and Learning
Secondary Curriculum Division
Social Studies Department
Cadwal template courtesy of Slides Carnival