1. “The Supreme Law of the Land”

2. Constitution
It has now been over 200 years since the Constitution was ratified.
From 13 states to 50
But how has the constitution kept up with the astounding growth and change over the years?
Answer: a lot of the Constitution has stayed the same, however a lot has changed (words were added, eliminated, and changed)
The process of changing the constitution comes from two basic ways: formal amendment and informal means

3. Formal Amendment Framers were prepared for change
Article V of the constitution gives four possible methods of formal amendment
First: an amendment can be proposed by 2/3 of each house in congress and be ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures, 38 states legislatures must approve. (26 of the 27 have been adopted this way)
Second: an amendment may be proposed by Congress and then ratified by conventions called for that purpose, in ¾ of the states (21st amendment)

4. Formal Amendment
Third: an amendment may be proposed by a nat’l convention, called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures. Then it must be ratified by ¾ of state legislatures (none)
Fourth: an amendment may be proposed by a nat’l convention and ratified by conventions in ¾ of the States (similar to how our constitution was ratified)

6. 27 Amendments (pg 759)
Since the new constitution gave a lot more power to the National government, people were scared that their rights were going to be violated.
People began to fight for a Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments
These are peoples basic rights that can not be taken away
Includes freedom of belief and expression, security of the person, and fair and equal treatment before the law

7. Other ways to change the Constitution
Basic Legislation
Congress has been a major agent of change
Congress has made provisions to the Constitution when the time was needed
Executive Action
Presidents have used their power to contribute to the growth of the constitution
Court Decisions
Party Practices
-Constitution does not mention political parties
Customs

8. Bill of rights…pg 759.
1. Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Petition, Press, Opinion, and Speech
2. The freedom to bear arms
3. No military in your home except in war time.
4. No unreasonable searches
5. The right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself
6. The right to a speedy and public trial
7. The right to a jury trial in civil matters of $20 and over.
8. The right to fair fines and bail. No cruel and unusual punishment
9. Individual Rights. Rights that are not in the constitution are still rights given to citizens.
10. State Rights. Any right not given in the constitution is given to the states to legislate.

9. Later Amendments
11. You cannot sue another state except with permission by that state’s judicial system.
12. The electoral college must have two separate elections for president and vice president
13. Emancipation. All slaves are free.
14. Foreign born citizens can vote
15. All men get the right to vote – including ex-slaves
16. The Federal Income Tax is established
17. The people elect their own US senators
18. Alcohol is prohibited
19. Women get the right to vote
20. January 20th is the day that a new president takes office
21. It is no longer illegal to drink Alcohol. The 18th amendment is struck down.
22. A president can only have 2 terms in office.
23. Washington DC can vote for the president
24. You may not charge people money so that they can register to vote.
25. Lays down the rules for who becomes president if the president dies/resigns etc.
26. You can vote at the age of 18.
27. Congressmen cannot vote to give themselves a raise in the same term.

10. Federalism: Division of Powers
What is Federalism?
The constitution assigns certain powers to the National Government and certain power to the states. (10th Amendment)

11. Powers of the National Govt.
Delegated powers: National govt. only has the powers granted by the constitution
There are 3 types of Delegated Powers
1. Expressed- these powers are spelled out in the constitution. (enumerated powers)
-You can find these powers in Article I
-including: collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate trade, declare war, etc.
-16th amendment, power to levy taxes

12. Powers of the National Govt.
2. Implied Powers: “Necessary and Proper Power”
-Sometimes called the Elastic Clause, because it has been stretched to cover so many situations
-Examples: prohibited racial discrimination, building the interstate highway system
3. Inherent Powers: powers that belong to the national government because it is the government of a sovereign state within the world community
-”these powers exist because the U.S. exists”
-Examples: regulate immigration, acquire territory

13. States Powers Reserved Powers: are powers that ….
1.the Constitution does not grant to the National government
2. And that are not denied to the States
Examples: Marriage Age, Drinking Age, Professional Licensing, Waste Management, Electric, Education

14. Exclusive & Concurrent Powers
--Exclusive: Powers that are delegated to the National Government, and only to the National Government Examples: Power to coin money, ,make treaties --Concurrent Powers: Powers that both the National Government and State Governments posses and exercise. Examples: collect taxes, set crime punishments

15. “Supreme Law of the Land”
Supremacy Clause
“Supreme Law of the Land”
-National Government stands above all law in the US

16. Bill of Rights

17. A person who enters a room and screams "Bomb
A person who enters a room and screams "Bomb!" just to see the reaction of the people in the room is protected under provisions in the Bill of Rights.
Agree/Disagree:
Amendment

18. A police officer comes to your door and asks to search your home without probable cause. You don't want to allow the officer to enter, but he is allowed to search your home. Agree/Disagree: Amendment : -Patriot Act: The Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, communications, medical, financial, and other records Slowly losing rights

19. Violence is getting to the point in our society where they should stop letting civilians own guns. Agree/Disagree: Amendment :

20. The Death Penalty is a good way to punish those who murder another human being. Agree/Disagree: Amendment :

21. Your parents own a house
Your parents own a house. They invest hours of time and many thousands of dollar into it. The government can make your parents sell the house to them so a highway can be built on the land. Agree/Disagree: Amendment : Amendment 5: Eminent Domain

22. Even after September 11th, people are still free to practice the Islamic religion in the United States. Agree/Disagree: Amendment :

23. A person involved in a dispute over $10 is permitted to take his or her complaint to a civil court. Agree/Disagree: Amendment : 5th & 6th Amendment protecting criminal rights= protecting everyone’s rights

24. 11. President Obama is allowed to call you at home and tell you that you must let soldiers stay in your home. Agree/Disagree: Amendment:

25. Everybody should be required to stand during the pledge of allegiance Agree/Disagree: Amendment:

26. 1st Amendment Threaten to blow up airplanes, schools or the president
Sexual harassment
Create too much social chaos
Extremely crude language in a public forum
Disrespectful, vulgar language in schools
Hate crimes

27. Fourth Amendment
What does a policeman need in order to search your home?
A warrant given to him by a judge
Probable cause is also needed

28. 2nd Amendment—Right to bear arms

29. Eighth Amendment
No excessive bail
No cruel and unusual punishment

30. Fifth Amendment
You cannot be tried for the same crime twice—called “Double Jeopardy”
You do not have to testify against your self. “I plead the fifth”
You must have due process of law before you are convicted
The government cannot take your land unless it pays.

31. Amendment One Free Exercise—The person Can Cannot
Break the law and claim it is religious belief
Raise children without education
Deprive children of needs
Choose whatever religion
Lead prayer in most examples
Ask questions about religions
Worship what/whoever you want

32. Amendment 7
The right to a jury trial in civil matters of $20 and over.

33. Third Amendment
The Government cannot force you to shelter soldiers in your home without your consent in time of war or peace.