1. What we have covered so far
How Britain conquered the New World and the consequences on US society, even until today.
The making of institutions after Independence
The Declaration of independence (1776) = Thirteen independent states (not a constitution)
The Articles of Confederation (drafted1777, ratified 1781) = a Confederation of States (more like a treaty)
The Constitution (drafted 1787, ratified 1788, first legislature 1789) = a Federal State
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

2. What we will cover today (review of things seen briefly last time)
The characteristics of the Constitution and their consequences today
A federal state : powers distributed between national government and State governements
The concept of separation of powers at national and state level
The Bill of rights (first 10 amendments to the Constitution)
One major amendment : Amendment XIV
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

3. A federal state : powers distributed between national government and State governements
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

4. The concept of separation of powers at national and state level
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

5. The Bill of rights (first 10 amendments to the Constitution)
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

6. The Bill of rights (first 10 amendments to the Constitution)
The famous Second amendment
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

7. One major amendment : Amendment XIV (1868)
This amendment has two sides and is very often used by the courts to decide on many matters
The “due process clause” based on Amendment V (1789)
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
The citizenship clause (now part of a heated debate in relation to immigration)
Amendment XIV
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

8. An explanation of “districting” and gerrymandering
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

9. An explanation of “districting” and gerrymandering
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

10. Important points to remember and study in this lesson
The late emergence of any form of “revolutionary” or secessionist spirit in the Colonies.
The effect of European politics on the precipitation of secession/indepedence (7- years War)
The great difference between the three important moments in the birth of the United States (1776, 1777, 1787)
The content of the main parts of the “Unanimous Declaration of the 13 united states of America,” especially the most important statement of “intellectual basis” (slide)
What the “federalism” of the Constitution means, and the principles upon which this Federal constitution is based (slides)
The principles of double separation of powers (national/state) and between branches
The content and meaning of the main Amendments to the constitution
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf