1. The Constitution: A More Perfect Union
Chapter 9

2. 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 defence, 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.

3. I. The Preamble Tells the Goals of Government
“We The People”
Based on the authority of the people
Goals
To form “a more perfect union” – strength of the states by working together
To “establish justice” – ruled by laws
To “insure domestic tranquility” – peace and order
To “provide for the common defense” –protecting Americans from foreign invaders
To “promote the general welfare” – an economy and society where people prosper
To “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” – freedom now and in the future

4. Analysis
Knowing what the founders had in mind when they wrote the Constitution, how well do you think today’s leaders follow what they had set forth in the Preamble.
Use specific examples.

5. 3 Branches

6. II. Legislative Branch Makes Laws
Article I - gives power to make laws to Legislative Branch
Structure of Congress
Senate
6 year terms
Every state has 2 senators
“Upper House” (wiser, more experienced)
Must be 30 years old and citizen for 9 years
House of Representatives
2 year terms
Representation is based on population
1- census every 10 years
2- set at 435 members
“Lower House”
Must be 25 years old and citizen for 7 years

7. II. Legislative Branch Makes Laws
How Congress Passes Laws
Any member of Senate can submit a proposal for a new law (a bill)
a) Only House can propose new taxes
If majority votes in favor of bill, sent to other house for debate
If both houses approve, bill goes to president
Becomes law if president signs it
President can veto (reject) any proposed law
1 – Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both houses
Powers of Congress
Can decide how to spend money raised w/ taxes
To raise an army/navy, declare war, pay government debts, grant citizenship
Can make laws that are necessary for Congress to carry out its power

8. How a Bill Becomes a Law
BrainPOP

9. III. Executive Branch Carries Out Laws
Article II – describes executive branch
Electing the President
Elected by group of “electors”
a) Each states’ electors = representative, senators
Serves 4 year term and reelected only once
Must be natural-born citizen and 35 years old
Powers of the President
Commander-in-chief of military forces
Makes treaties with other nations
Nominates ambassadors, Supreme Court justices
grants pardons to those convicted of violating federal law
Has departments to carry out duties, part of cabinet
State Dept – relations w/ other nations
Justice Dept – law enforcement

10. III. Executive Branch Carries Out Laws
D. Removing the President
Congress has power to remove President if they violate the Constitution
House of Representatives can impeach
To formally accuse President of crimes specified in Constitution
If House votes to impeach, Senate puts President on trial, w/ senators as jury
Guilty = possible removal from office

11. IV. Judicial Branch Interprets the Law
Third Branch
Article III establishes Supreme Court as country’s highest court
Gives Congress power to make lower courts
Have the power to resolve disputes involving national laws, federal government, or states
BrainPOP
Federal Court System
2 sets of inferior federal court
Cases involving federal laws first heard in district court (covers several states)
Citizens can appeal decisions from district court (ask higher court to review)
Appellate court considers whether original trial was fair, legal
Decision made by appellate court can be appealed to Supreme Court

12. IV. Judicial Branch Interprets the Law
Powers of the Supreme Court
Decisions are final
set at 9 members
Justices serve for life
Dispute goes straight to Supreme Court if involving a state or ambassador from another nation
Only reviews case if justices think decision of lower court might conflict with Constitution or federal law
Decisions are announced and explained in writing
Judicial review gives Supreme Court power in protecting “law of the land”
BrainPOP

13. V. Checks and Balances Checking the Power of Other Branches
“Checks” allow one branch to block the actions of another branch
Congress can pass laws
President can check power by vetoing bill before it becomes law
Congress can check President’s power with 2/3 vote
Judicial Branch can also check actions of others
Balancing the Power of Other Branches
“Balances” allow each branch of the government to have some role in the actions and power of other branches
Judges appointed only if President nominates and Senate approves
President can sign treaties that take effect if Congress approves
Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but President chooses judges and Senate must approve
BrainPOP

14. VI. Amendment Process Changes the Constitution
Changing the Constitution
Article V – how amendments can be made
Require a vote of 2/3 of both houses of Congress
Must be approved by legislatures in ¾ of the states
Once approved – law of the land
Amendments So Far
27 amendments approved of 10,000+ suggested
1st 10 demanded in exchange for support of Constitution
a) aka Bill of Rights – guarantee specific rights to citizens
Other 17 – one at a time
a) Guarantee rights to certain groups of Americans (13 – slavery, 19 – women, 26 – 18+ can vote)

15. VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States
Powers Belonging to National Government
Can declare war and make treaties
Can print and coin money
To regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states
Made United States a “free trade zone”
1- goods and resources could flow easily across country
2- easier to create businesses that crossed state lines
3- helped create single national economy

16. VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States
Powers Belonging to the States
Can retain any powers not given to nation
a) school, marriage, local government, owning property, licensing doctors and lawyer, or most crimes
Responsibilities of States to Each Other
Article IV – each state must give “full Faith and Credit” to the laws and court decisions of other states
Required to help keep track of fleeing criminals
Does not allow one state to discriminate against citizen of another state

17. VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States
Shared Powers
Both can raise taxes, build roads, borrow money
Congress sets date for national election; states register voters, runs elections, counts votes; national government organizes Electoral College vote
Law of the Land
1. A state’s constitution, laws, judicial decisions must agree with Constitution

18. VIII. Popular Participation in Government
Popular Will
Majority rule
Laws passed in Congress by majority vote
Elections decided by majority of voters
Political Parties & Interest Groups
No mention in Constitution
Influence by rallying public opinion, working to elect candidates and persuading lawmakers