1. A Constitutional Democracy
Chapter 4 Section 2

2. Vocabulary United States Constitution – the basis for U.S. law
Limited Government – leaders don’t have all the power
Unlimited Government – leaders have almost total power
ie: dictatorship
Constitutional Amendment – is a change or addition to the Constitution
Bill of Rights – lists specific freedoms guaranteed to every U.S. citizen
Federal Government – a republic headed by the President
Vocabulary

3. The Law of the Land Continental Congress
Written more than 200 years ago and it is still used today!
Supreme Court decides if the laws stated in the Constitution are lawful.
American colonists were frustrated with how the British were ruling them. They did not like the idea of a king.
Developed a government ruled by the people
Founders wanted to protect people’s rights and freedoms from government interference
Constitution
Describes the limits of the government
Defines the rights of citizens and their role in governing the country.
The Law of the Land

4. The Constitution Grows and Changes
Constitution went into effect in 1789.
1791 The states adopted the first 10 amendments proposed by congress
A total of 27 amendments have adapted the Constitution.
The Constitution Grows and Changes

5. Limiting Powers of Government
Federal government
Establish an army
Waging war
Raising $ with taxes
Making laws
State government
All other powers
Leaders wanted the states to be able to govern itself. They wanted to limit the powers of the federal government.
Created both the federal government and state governments to allow this.
Limiting Powers of Government

6. Checks and Balances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EISWIY9bG8
Three branches of government
The executive branch
The Legislative branch
The judicial branch
Share the powers of the government equally
Checks and Balances

7. Branches of Government
Executive Branch
President and Vice-President elected
Enforces laws
Serves as Commander in Chief of the armed forces
Conducts foreign affairs
Has a cabinet of trusted individuals to guide him/her
Legislative Branch
Congress 2 houses
Senate and House of Representatives
Make national laws
2 senators from each state (100)
House of Representatives has 435 members (number changes based on state population
Judicial Branch
System of federal courts
Makes sure the laws and treaties are constitutional
Supreme Court (highest court) has 9 justices, or judges
Nominated by the President and approved by the Senate
Branches of Government