1. The Constitution
Part 1

2. Problems the Founding Fathers had to deal with while writing the Constitution
The language they used in the document – would it be too difficult for the common man to understand?
How much power should they give the 3 branches?
- Equal Power (Separation of Powers)
- Checks and Balances

3. What did most of the Founding Fathers fear?
Power =
Unfair laws passed by Legislature

4. There are 7 Articles in the US Constitution
I - Legislative Branch (longest article)
II - Executive Branch
III - Judicial Branch
IV - Relations Among the States
V - Amendment Procedures
VI - Supremacy of the Constitution
VII - Ratification

5. Article I - The Legislative Branch

6. Issues Addressed in Article I
Proportional Representation
Requirements to Participate in Congress
Enumerated Powers
“Necessary and Proper” Clause
Power is still given to the States
Supremacy Clause
Power is given to check the Executive and Judicial branches

7. Proportional Representation
Based on population of the State
Census is taken every 10 years to determine population
3/5ths Compromise
Slaves would count as 3/5ths of a person when determining population

8. Requirements to participate in the Legislative Branch
House of Representatives
Term: 2 years
Age: 25 years old
Must live in the State you represent
Must be a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years
Senate
Term: 6 years
Age: 30 years old
Must live in the State you represent
Must be a U.S. Citizen for at least 9 years

9. Congress has 18 powers that are spelled out in the Constitution - They are known as the Enumerated Powers
Collect taxes
Borrow money
Regulate trade with other countries
Determine the qualifications to become a citizen of the USA
Coin money
Standardize all weights and measures
Punish counterfeiters
Establish Post Offices
Create Federal courts beneath the Supreme Court
Declare war
Raise and support the Armed Forces
Make “necessary and proper” laws to carry out the powers given to Congress

10. “Necessary and Proper” Clause
The Congress shall have power …To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
Known as the Elastic clause

11. Powers were still given to the States
Some examples of things the States still controlled are…
Education
Family Law
Property Law

12. Supremacy Clause
Article VI, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution is known as the Supremacy Clause.
It establishes the Constitution, Federal laws, and U.S. treaties as "the supreme law of the land."

13. Power is given to check the Executive branch
Legislative Checks on the Executive Branch
override presidential vetoes
impeach and remove president
declare war
confirm or reject presidential appointments
approve or reject treaties
controls money for government programs

14. Power is given to check the Judicial branch
impeach judges
approve or reject nominations to the courts