1. U.S. Constitution Sevan Mirzakhani Period 3/History December 2009

2. The Executive Branch The power of the executive branch is vested in the president. The president is also the leader of the country. This branch of government is responsible for enforcing the laws.

3. The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an electoral college tie.

4. The Judicial Branch The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and the only part of the federal judiciary specifically required by the Constitution. All Justices are nominated by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and hold their offices under life tenure.

5. The 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 defense, 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.

6. The Bill of Rights I. Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition II. Right to keep and bear arms III. Conditions for quarters of soldiers IV. Right of search and seizure regulated V. Provisions concerning prosecution VI. Right to a speedy trial, witnesses, etc. VII. Right to a trial by jury VIII. Excessive bail, cruel punishment IX. Rule of construction of Constitution X. Rights of the States under Constitution

7. Checks and Balances The system of checks and balances is a part of our Constitution. It guarantees that no part of the government becomes too powerful. For example, the legislative branch is in charge of making laws. The executive branch can veto the law, thus making it harder for the legislative branch to pass the law. The judicial branch may also say that the law is unconstitutional and make sure it is not a law.

8. Separation of Powers The separation of powers, is a model for the governance of democratic states. Under this model, the state is divided into branches or estates, each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility. The normal division of estates is into an executive, a legislature, and a judiciary.

9. Shay’s Rebellion Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in central and western Massachusetts from 1786 to 1787. Most of Shay's compatriots were poor farmers angered by what they felt to be crushing debt and taxes. Failure to repay such debts often resulted in imprisonment in debtor's prisons or the claiming of property by the County.

10. Electoral College The Electoral College consists of the popularly elected representatives who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. The Twelfth Amendment provides for each elector to cast one vote for President and one vote for Vice President. It also specifies how a President and Vice President are elected.