1. Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
Lecture & Discussion 5: Principles of American Government

2. Enduring Understanding
The Constitution creates a complex policy-making process to ensure the people’s will is represented and that freedom is preserved.

3. Objective(s)
To describe the constitutional principles of the separation of powers and federalism and explain their implications for the U.S. political system.

4. Do Now Complete the outline and answer the prompts.
What observations can you make about how the Constitution is organized?
Which branch of government was given the greatest number of powers? Why?
What inferences can you make about the distribution of power within the government?

5. A. Constitution: An Overview
A “Living” Document
Constitution is dynamic and flexible so it can change with the times
The addition of amendments enable the Constitution to adapt in ways that are needed for the nation to succeed

6. A. Constitution: An Overview
Main Components
The U.S. Constitution
Preamble
Articles
Amendments
an introduction stating goals of government:
establish justice
insure domestic tranquility
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
secure the blessings of liberty
numbered sections that outline:
organization and powers of branches
relation of States with national government
process for amendment
the provisions for ratification
formal changes to the original document:
#1-10: Bill of Rights
#11-27: further define processes of government, expand upon its powers, or address important societal issues

7. B. Key Principles
separation of powers: constitutional authority is shared by three branches of government
system of checks and balances enables each branch to check the authority of the others
Madison: divides offices among many people and provides the “means and motives to resist encroachment of the others”

8. B. Key Principles
federalism: political authority is divided between national and state governments
one level of government can serve as a check on the other
Madison: provides a “double security” to the rights of the people

9. C. Implications Provides “Checks & Balances”
separation and division of powers controls potential abuses of authority in government
Ie…impeachment proceedings again President Clinton

10. C. Implications Prevents “Tyranny of the Majority”
multiple access points enable factions to influence public policy, but not gain full power of government and control national agenda
Ie…Trump executive order to deny federal funding to sanctuary cities

11. C. Implications
Directions: Read Federalist and annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margin. Then, complete the table to explain how Madison’s argument(s) relates to political principles in the Constitution.