1. The Constitution Handbook

2. Introduction
Serving as the framework of national government and the source of American citizens’ basic rights, the Constitution is the most important document of the United States. To preserve self government, all citizens need to understand their rights and responsibilities.

3. Seven Major Principles
Popular Sovereignty
Republicanism
Limited Government
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Individual Rights

4. Popular Sovereignty and Republicanism
People consent to be governed and specify the powers and rules by which they shall be governed
Put the above phrase in your own words.
A system of interlocking responsibilities creates limited power
Voters have the ultimate authority to elect or not re-elect representatives

5. Limited Government
Articles I, II, and II of the Constitution describe the powers of the federal government and the limits of those powers
Other limits are set forth in the Bill of Rights

6. Federalism – state and the national government sharing power
States deal with their needs in their own way
The National government helps the states act together to deal with matters that affect all Americans
Three Types of Gov. Power
Enumerated – coin money, regulate interstate and foreign trade, maintain armed forces, and create federal courts
Reserved – establish schools, set marriage and divorce laws, and regulate trade.
Concurrent (national and state gov. share) – right to raise taxes , borrow money, provide for public welfare, and administer criminal justice.
Constitution is the supreme law of the land

7. Separation of Powers Executive Branch (President) Carries of the laws
Voters indirectly elect president through electors
Legislative Branch
(Congress)
Makes the laws
People vote for members
Judicial Branch
Supreme court and other federal courts
Interprets and applies laws
President nominates federal judges

8. Checks and Balances President Can veto a law passed by Congress
Can override a veto if 2/3 of both senate and house vote to approve law
Judicial
US Supreme and Federal Courts can rule laws unconstitutional

9. Individual Rights
Bill of Rights – First ten amendments added to the Constitution in 1791
Provide freedom of speech, religion, and the right to trial by jury
17 more amendments were added to the Constitution
Including the abolishment of slavery, guaranteed voting rights, authorize an income tax, and set a 2/3 limit on the presidency.

10. The Legislative Branch
Includes House of Reps and the Senate
Two Primary Roles
Make the laws
Decide how federal funds are spent
All tax and spending bills must start in the House and be approved by the Senate
Congress also monitors the executive branch and investigates abuses
The House can impeach any federal official
The Senate acts as the court and tries the official
Additional Senate Powers
Ratify Treaties Made by the Senate
Must confirm presidential appointments

11. How a Bill Becomes a Law
1. Member of Congress introduces bill, referred to committee for review.
2. Committee decides to shelve it or send it back for revisions.
3. House or senate debates bill and can make revisions. If bill is passed, it is sent to other house
4. House and Senate meet to compromise if they both pass a similar bill.
5. Compromise bill is then sent to both houses.
6. If both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the president to sign.
7. If president signs it becomes the law
8. President may also veto bill
9. If House and Senate can garner 2/3 vote they can overrule president

12. The Executive Branch The President’s Role
Chief Executive – responsible to carry out the nation’s laws
Commander in Chief – directs military operations, can send troops to other nations for up to 60 days, may remain longer only if Congress declares war.
Chief of State - Symbolic representative of all Americans
Legislative Leader – proposes laws and presents his goals in the annual State of the Union address.
Appoints the leaders of 15 Executive Cabinets

13. The Judicial Branch District and Appellate Courts US Supreme Court
94 District Court – at least one in every state
Here federal issues such as tax evasion, kidnapping, and free speech
Appellate Courts her appeals of a verdict
US Supreme Court
Final authority in the federal court system
Chief justice and eight associates
Court Independence – president appoints justices for life and senate confirms appointments, public has no input.
Judicial Review – ultimate authority to interpret the constitution

14. Rights and Responsibilities as protected by the Constitution
The Rights of Americans
Protection from Unfair Actions
Right to a lawyer, trial by jury, protection from unreasonable search and seizures
Equal Treatment
Right to be treated under same law
5th Amend provides due process – no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
14th Amend provides equal protection of laws

15. Rights and Responsibilities Cont..
Basic Freedoms
Described in First Amendment
Freedom of speech, religion, press, and the right to petition
Allows citizens to criticize the government to an extent, in speech or in the press, without the fear of punishment.
Limit on Rights
Rights are not absolute
Limited based on the principle of respecting each others rights
Many cities require groups to obtain a permit to march.
The goal is to create a balance between citizens rights and the rights of the government.

16. Citizens Duties & Responsibilities
One basic duty of all American is to obey the law
Laws serve three functions
1) Maintain order
2) They protect health, safety, and property of all citizens
3) Make it possible for people to live together peacefully
Americans are required to pay taxes
Taxes are used to defend the nation, build roads and bridges, and to assist people
Defend the Nation
All males 18 or older must register with the government
Trial by Jury – All Americans have the right to trial by jury
People 18 and older can be called to jury duty
Education – Schools require citizens to attend school to a certain age.

17. Citizens Duties and Responsibilities Cont...
Active citizens
Informed of local, state, and national issues
Being informed helps citizens maintain a responsible and responsive government
Respecting the Rights of Others
Our democracy also supports respecting others regardless of race, religion, beliefs or other differences
Voting
Allows one to participate and guide the government
Citizens can also directly contact their local, state and national representatives.