1. The United States Government Review

2. Shay’s Rebellion was a factor leading to the Convention being called After the colonies gained independence, the Northwest Ordinance set up a system of admitting new states to the union.

3. Articles of Confederation National Government is too weak* (taxes!) Purpose of the Constitutional Convention…create a strong (3 branch) national government, and to revise the Articles of Confederation *Great Compromise* President of the Constitutional Convention: George Washington

4. Purpose of the Constitution Define the basic laws of the land Define and limit the powers of the government (3 branches) *Ensure power of the government comes from the people

5. Branches of Government BranchResponsibilities LegislativeMake/pass laws ExecutiveCarry out/enforce laws JudicialRule on law (interpret) Example of separation of powers!

6. BranchNational LegislativeCongress ExecutivePresident JudicialSupreme Court (9 Justices) Federalism = Division of Power  Sharing of powers between State & National Gov’t Powers not given to the National Government go to the States

7. Federalism: government is divided between the state and national governments Delegated Powers: Powers given to the National government Reserved Powers: Powers given to the states Concurrent Powers: Powers that belong to both the state and National government

8. Diagram illustrating delegated, reserved and concurrent powers

9. 6 Principles of the Constitution Republic A nation in which voters elect representatives to govern them Popular Sovereignty The source of all power or authority to govern comes from the people Limited Government The government is not all powerful, and can only do what the people say it can do

10. 6 Principles of the Constitution (continued) Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison) Federal courts have the power to review acts of the federal government and cancel unconstitutional acts Checks & Balances Each branch of the federal government can “check” (control) the other 2 branches; limits the power of each branch Separation of Powers Three branches of government (judicial, legislative, executive)

11. Enlightenment Philosophers Montesquieu Believed that the government should be separated into 3 branches Locke Believed every person had certain “natural rights,” and that government is a contract between the ruler and the ruled ***Preamble of the U.S. Constitution states that the power to govern originates with the people***

12. The Legislative Branch OfficeNumberTermSelection House of Representatives 435 total *Based on population 2 years Elected by voters Senate 100 total 2 per state 6 years Originally elected by legislature; 17 th Amendment elected by voters

13. The Legislative Branch Great Compromise 3 branches of government with 2 house legislature; combines NJ and VA Plans BicameralTwo house legislature Congress (Make up) Senate & House of Representatives Three-Fifths Compromise – decided how slaves would count in the population

14. The Legislative Branch Main Job of Congress To make the laws Census Bureau Counts the population in the country for the purpose of determining representation in the House of Representatives Elastic Clause (McCulloch v. Maryland) Gives Congress the power to make all laws “necessary & proper” to carry out their enumurated powers (covers situations that could come up in the future) Examples: Amendment & Judicial Review Elastic clause, judicial review and amendments are all ways the Constitution can be adapted to reflect the changing times!

15. The Legislative Branch Way the Gov’t makes money Taxes BillProposed laws (ideas) CommerceBusiness

16. The Legislative Branch Bill of Rights 1)First 10 Amendments to the Constitution 2)Lists personal freedoms that the government promises to protect Federalist Favored a strong national government; approved the ratification of the Constitution Anti- Federalist Opposed the Constitution; feared the President would gain too much power

17. The Executive Branch Head of the Executive Branch: President Term of President & VP: 4 years Date Presidential term begins: January 20 th Longest Possible length of term: 2 consecutive; 8 years

18. The Executive Branch Responsibilities of the President: 1)Carry out (enforce) laws passed by Congress 2)Commander & Chief of all armed forces 3)Responsible for foreign relations

19. The Executive Branch Cabinet Group of officials who head government departments and advise the president Electoral College To elect the President! Number of electoral votes is equal to the number of Representatives and Senators for each state; Presidential candidate must win the majority of electoral votes (270) Veto To reject a bill Impeach Bring charges against the president. Charges are brought by the House of Representatives (First Step) Senate hears the trial

20. The Judicial Branch Purpose: To hear cases that involve the Constitution Marbury v. MadisonMcCulloch v. Maryland Established the Supreme Court’s right of judicial review Elastic Clause

21. Amending the Constitution Living Document The Constitution may be amended, or changed, to reflect the changing needs of our nation Amend(ment) Process by which the U.S. Constitution can be changed RatifyTo approve

22. Bill of Rights List of personal freedoms and liberties that cannot be taken away by the government.

23. Amendment 1 - 1791 Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Freedom of the Press Right to Peacefully Assemble Right to Petition

24. Amendment 2 - 1791 Right to bear arms

25. Amendment 3 – Right not to quarter soldiers in private homes. Amendment 4 – Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure Amendment 5 – Rights of the accused (due process of law) – Miranda Rights!

26. Amendment 6 – Right to a speedy trial by jury Amendment 7 – Right to a trial by jury in civil cases Amendment 8 – Bail and Punishment must not be cruel or unusual

27. Amendment 9 – Protecting rights “retained by the people,” but not written down in the Constitution Amendment 10 – Any powers not listed in the Constitution are given to the states Currently, there are 27 Amendments! NY Constitution – served as a model to the U.S. Constitution