1. Section 1, Chapter 3 Ideals of the Constitution
Influences
The Pilgrims: Wrote the Mayflower Compact to create a new government based on the consent of the people
(Popular sovereignty)

2. Preamble
Introduction of the Constitution
Goals of the Constitution:
to form a more perfect union
establish justice
insure domestic tranquility
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
secure the blessings of liberty

3. The Constitution
Preamble (intro)
7 Articles
Article I Legislative Branch (makes laws)
Article II Executive Branch (enforces laws)
Article III Judicial Branch (interprets laws)
27 Amendments
1-10 Bill of Rights

4. Representative Democracy
Based on the consent of the people
Elect representatives/send letters
Majority rules- a system in which the decision of more than half the people is accepted by all, but minority free to express views

5. Delegated powers-powers given to the federal government
A Federal System
Powers divided between the national and state governments (Chart pg. 73)
Delegated powers-powers given to the federal government
Reserved powers-powers to the states
Concurrent powers-powers shared to federal and state governments

6. U.S. Constitution and the laws of the federal government shall be “the supreme law of the land.”
Limited Government- a gov’t with defined restrictions to its power
Bill of Rights-protects the powers of the people

7. Section 2, Chapter 3 Three Branches of Gov.
Legislative Branch
Article I
Congress- makes the laws
House of Representatives and Senate

8. Executive Branch Article II
Enforces, executes, or carries out the laws
Headed by President

9. Judicial Branch Article III Interprets laws and punish lawbreakers
Supreme Court

10. Checks and Balances
To ensure that no branch of federal gov’t becomes too powerful.
Each branch has powers that check, or limit, the other branches.

12. Section 3, Chapter 3 A flexible document
Constitution is flexible (adapts to a growing/changing nation)
3 ways it can be adapted to changing needs:
Amendments
Interpretation (Supreme Court)
Customs (Cabinet/terms)

13. The Amendment Process Article V
Amendment- a written change made to the Constitution
Proposed
By Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses or
By a national convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 (34) of the State legislatures

14. Ratified By the state legislatures of 3/4 (38) of the States
By conventions held in 3/4 of the states