1. The Constitution Handbook
Social Studies Survey
Pages

2. Essential Question
Why has the Constitution been able to endure for over 220 years when many other Constitutions around the world have been changed, altered, or abolished (some several times over)?

3. I CAN: List and Define the 6 major principles of the Constitution
Analyze the 3 major branches established by the Constitution and Describe their significance within our government
Evaluate the rights and duties of American citizens as defined in the Constitution

4. Structure US Constitution is simple and brief (7,000 words)
Does not spell out every word but leaves it for future generations to interpret
Divided into three parts
Preamble
Articles (7)
Amendments (27)

5. Major Principles
These 6 principles help to influence the character of American Government
Popular Sovereignty
Judicial Review
Limited Government
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances

6. Popular Sovereignty Rule by the People
Authority for government flows from the people and consent of the governed

7. Limited Government
Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have

9. Federalism Power divided between states and national government
Represented a middle ground-forge a union but limit central government
National government has the power to act for country as a whole, states have power over many local matters

10. Separation of Powers
Each branch has its own responsibilities to help one branch from taking over

11. James Madison Separation of Powers
“But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others….Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place….If men were angels no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external or internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed: and in the next place, oblige to control itself.”

12. Checks and Balances
Each branch of government exercises some control over the others
A check is a control one branch has over another’s functions creating a balance of power

15. Judicial Review
Power of courts to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national govt invalid
Acts against the Constitution must be illegal
Marbury vs Madison established the judicial review precedent
Supreme court decision may only be changed by Amendment or supreme court changes its views

16. Enumerated, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers

17. Amendment Process

18. The Legislative Branch
Article 1 of the Constitution
Makes the Laws

19. How a Bill Becomes a Law

20. How a Bill Becomes a Law Video
School House Rock (3:20 min)

21. The Executive Branch
Article 2 of the Constitution
Enforces the Laws

22. Enforces laws passed by Congress Grant Reprieves Grant Pardons
1) Chief Executive
Enforces laws passed by Congress
Grant Reprieves
Grant Pardons
Grant Amnesty

23. 4 Tools of Chief Executive
Executive orders
Appointments (Must have Senate Approval)
Remove officials they have appointed
Impoundment of funds

24. President Truman desegregated Army in 1948

26. Directs Foreign Policy Negotiates Treaties and Executive Agreements
2) Chief Diplomat
Directs Foreign Policy
Negotiates Treaties and Executive Agreements
Appoints Ambassadors
Recognizes Foreign Governments

29. Asks for Declaration of War Troops/serious disorder in nation
3) Commander in Chief
Civilian authority
Asks for Declaration of War
Troops/serious disorder in nation

31. Performs many ceremonial duties Symbol of US and its people
4) Chief (Head) of State
Represents the nation
Performs many ceremonial duties
Symbol of US and its people

32. Chief (Head) of State Videos

33. Outline and Propose legislation (State of Union Address)
5) Chief Legislator
Outline and Propose legislation (State of Union Address)
Calls Congress to Special Sessions
Veto

34. Signing Obamacare into Law

35. Reagan gives SOTU Address

36. Cabinet
General term for the advisers around any head of state
15 secretaries, Vice- President, and other top officials
More than advisers; also administrators of bureaucracies

38. Executive Office of the President
EOP- created by FDR in 1939
Individuals and agencies that directly assist the president
Provide specialized advice and information, help implement decisions and gain more control over executive branch

39. Executive Office Agencies

40. The Judicial Branch
Article 3 of the Constitution
Interprets the Laws

42. Original and appellate Fewest cases 80-150/yearUS
Supreme Court
9 Justices
D.C.
Original and appellate
Fewest cases
80-150/year
US Court of Appeals
12 Courts (3 judge panel)
Appellate
US District Court
94 Courts (judge and 2 types of juries:
1. grand - indicts
2. petit - determines guilty or innocence)
Original
Most cases

43. U.S. Supreme Court
Nine Justices (1869): Eight Associate Justices led by a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

44. Judicial Review
Power of courts to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national govt invalid
Acts against the Constitution must be illegal
Marbury vs Madison established the judicial review precedent
Supreme court decision may only be changed by Amendment or supreme court changes its views