1. Three Branches of the United States Government

2. 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 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. The Preamble Tells the Goals of Government
“We The People”
Based on the authority of the people
Goals- Remember the Articles of Confederation…
To form “A More Perfect Union” – Remember the Articles of Confederation? What was wrong?
To “Establish Justice” – There was NO National Court System
To “Insure Domestic Tranquility” – peace and order in the country… Shays’s Rebellion
To “provide for the common defense” –protecting Americans from foreign invaders… Why???
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

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

6. Legislative Branch Congress Makes Laws
House of Representatives
435 Members
Representatives serve 2 year term
A representative must be 25 years old to be elected and a citizen for 7 years
Can propose tax laws
Can impeach the president

7. Legislative Branch Congress Makes Laws
Senate
100 Members
Senators serve 6 year term
A Senator must be 30 years old to be elected and a citizen for 9 years
Can approve presidential appointments
Ratifies treaties with foreign governments
Can try the president after impeachment

8. Legislative Branch Congress Makes Laws
Both Together
535 Members
Can propose laws
Can declare war
Can override the president’s veto with a 2/3 vote
Can propose amendments to the Constitution with 2/3 vote

9. How a Bill Becomes a Law 1. House/Senate introduces bill and
sends it to a
committee
2. House/Senate committee
approves the bill
6. President signs bill
into law or vetoes
(needing 2/3 vote by
Congress to override)
3. House/Senate debates and
passes on its form of the bill
4. House and Senate committees
compromise on differences
between 2 versions
5. House and Senate pass
revised bill

10. Executive Branch President, Vice President, Cabinet Enforces Laws
The president serves a 4 year term
The president must be at least 35 years old, a 14 year resident, and native born
Has power to approve or veto laws

11. Executive Branch President, Vice President, Cabinet Enforces Laws
Makes treaties with foreign governments
Nominates judges to the Supreme Court
Appoints cabinet members
Is Commander-in-Chief of U.S. military forces

12. Judicial Branch Supreme and Federal Courts Interprets Laws
Justices of the Supreme Court serve for life
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Can settle disputes involving the United States
Can settle disputes between states
Chief Justice presides over impeachment trial of the president
Can review all laws and treaties

13. Checks and Balances Checking the Power of Other Branches
“Checks” allow one branch to block the actions of another branch
1. Congress can pass laws
2. President can check power by vetoing bill before it becomes law
3. Congress can check President’s power with 2/3 vote
4. 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
1. Judges appointed only if President nominates and Senate approves
2. President can sign treaties that take effect if Congress approves
3. Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but President chooses judges and Senate must approve