2. The United States Constitution

3. Events Leading to the United States Constitution  When the US was fighting for its independence from Britain, it established a government  This government was created by the Articles of Confederation  The Articles deliberately made the national (federal) government weak. –A weak national government did not work

4. Events continued...  the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) were the foundation of the United States’ first national government  While it was a failure, it was the lessons learned under this government that helped lay the foundation of the Constitution. –This constitution has lasted for over 200 years  A meeting was called in 1797 of all the states

5. Events continued...  AT this meeting - called the Constitutional Convention - the new Constitution was written.  In 1789 nine of the thirteen states ratified (accepted) the Constitution –This was number needed to have the Constitution become accepted

6. The Constitution has four major principles 1. Popular Sovereignty 2. Limited Government 3. Federalism 4. Separation of Powers

7. I. Popular Sovereignty  The people hold the ultimate authority –This is based on John Locke’s belief that governments can only rule with the consent of the governed John Locke was an English philosopher who believed that governments were responsible for protecting citizens’ rights –He also believed that when governments fail to protect these rights that the people have the right to overthrow the government. [this was the argument used in the Declaration of Independence

8. Popular Sovereignty continued..  A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them. –This is the system that the British had –It is the system that the US government established

9. II. Limited Government  The founding fathers wanted to guard against tyranny or abuse of powers by the government  Therefore, the government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution. This helps prevent tyranny  The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

10. III. Federalism  Federalism is the division of power between State and National Governments  Some powers are given (delegated) to the national (federal government)  Some powers are saved (reserved) for the states  Some powers are shared by both the state and federal governments  The National Government has the “supreme power”

11. IV. Separation of Powers  Under this principles, no one part of the government holds “too much” power.  Each Branch of the national government has a specific role or job  Legislative branch makes the laws (Congress)  Executive branch carries out the laws (the President)  Judicial branch interprets the laws (the Supreme Court

12. Legislative Branch  Is made up of the Senate and House of Representatives  makes our federal laws  appropriates money – gives out money  regulates immigration – provides passports and gives student visas  establishes post offices and builds roads  regulates trade between states and foreign trade  can declare War

13. Executive Branch  Made up by the President and Vice- President of the United States  The President is the: –Chief Executive and –Chief of State and –Chief Legislator and –Commander in Chief of the military

14. Judicial Branch  Is made up of the Supreme Court and other Federal Courts  Its role is to preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution  Considers cases involving national laws  Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

15. V. Checks and Balances  Prevents the abuse of power in government  Each branch can check the other two branches

16. Executive Checks (Presidential)  Propose laws to Congress  Veto laws made by Congress  Negotiate foreign treaties  Appoint federal judges  Grant pardons to federal offenders

17. Legislative Checks  Override president’s veto  Ratify treaties  Confirm executive appointments  Impeach federal officers and judges  Create and dissolve lower federal courts

18. Judicial Checks  Declare executive acts unconstitutional  Declare laws unconstitutional  Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional  The Supreme Court holds the final check

19. Link to the US Constitution  US Constitution US Constitution  First Ten Amendments (known as the Bill of Rights First Ten Amendments (known as the Bill of Rights  Amendments XI to XXVII (11 to 27) Amendments XI to XXVII