1. The US Constitution

2. Constitution (cont.) Parts of the Constitutions
Preamble – Introduction
Article I – Legislative Branch
Article II – Executive Branch
Article III – Judicial Branch
Article IV – Relations among States
Article V – Amending the Constitution
Article VI – National Debt, Supremacy of National Law, and Oaths of Office
Article VII – Ratifying the Constitution

3. Preamble To form a more perfect union… Stronger national government
Promote loyalty
Unite people
Make the US one country

4. Preamble To establish justice… Peaceful way to settle disputes
Fair, orderly system of justice
Consistent court system

5. Preamble To ensure domestic tranquility…
Protecting citizens from crime
Maintaining law and order

6. Preamble To provide for the common defense…
Defending against foreign enemies
Providing and using the military to protect citizens

7. Preamble To promote the general welfare…
Providing needed services such as health care, education
Dealing with natural disasters
Helping citizens during times of need such as the elderly or disabled

8. Preamble To secure the blessing of liberty… Protect individual rights
Equal rights to all citizens
Equal protection and treatment

9. Basics of the Constitution (Separation of Powers)
Branch
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

11. Executive Branch Branch Executive (15 departments) Cabinet
Vice - President
President
And

12. Executive Branch Powers of the Executive Branch Directs Foreign Policy
Commander – in – Chief of the Military
Representative of all Americans
Carry out and enforce the nations laws
Power of veto
Cabinet appointments
Federal justice appointments

13. House of Representatives
Legislative Branch
Branch
Legislative
*two members from
(100 members)
Each state
Senate
House of Representatives
*membership from each
State is based on
(435 members)
Population

14. Legislative Branch Powers of the Legislative Branch Make and pass laws
Control government spending
Watchdog of the executive branch
Ability to impeach any federal official
Propose amendments
Override vetoes
Ratifies treaties
Declare war

15. Judicial Branch Branch Judicial Supreme Court (9 justices)
Appellate Courts
Military Courts
US court of Appeals
For the Federal
circuits

16. Judicial Branch Powers of the Judicial Branch Supreme Court
Highest Court
Power of Judicial Review (it can review laws and decide whether the laws are constitutional)
Hear appeals

17. Judicial Branch Powers of the Judicial Branch Federal Courts
Courts that hear cases that come under federal law
Appeal Courts
Consider district courts decision in which the losing side has asked for a review of the verdict

18. Federalism
Federalism – A system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a central, or national, government and several regional governments

19. Federalism

20. Examples of the National Government’s Powers
Establish a postal system
Set weights and measures
Regulate interstate and foreign trade
Raise and support armed forces
Declare war
Make peace
Coin and print money
Grant patents and copyrights
Establish federal courts
Govern territories and admit new states
Regulate immigration

21. Examples of the Powers Reserved to the States
Regulate trade within the state
Write business and corporation laws
Establish and maintain public schools
Establish local governments
Pass marriage and divorce laws
Conduct elections
Ratify constitutional amendments
Pass license requirements for professionals
Regulate alcoholic beverages

22. Concurrent Powers (Powers of both the federal & state governments)
Levy and collect taxes
Borrow money
Make and enforce laws
Establish and maintain courts
Charter banks
Provide for public welfare
Define crimes and set punishments
Claim private property for public use