1. The United States Constitution

2. The Basic Principles The Constitutional Convention
1787 – in Philadelphia
They decided the new government would be based on the ideas of limited government and representative government
Limited government = there are checks on the government so it cannot become too powerful
Representative government = the people have a role in the government
The government would be divided into three branches.
Executive, judicial and legislative

3. The Great Compromise Representation Executive Branch (President)
Senate: (upper house) would be made up of two delegates (2 from each state)
House of Representatives: (lower house) would be based on population
Executive Branch (President)
Single executive chosen by the Electoral College – electors selected by individual states

4. The Great Compromise Legislative Branch (Congress)
Senate – originally selected by state legislatures, the 17th Amendment changed it to election by the people
House of Representatives – elected by the people
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
National judiciary = Supreme Court and lower courts
Supreme Court justices appointed by the president and confirmed by Senate

5. The Basic Principles The Constitution has three parts: Preamble
Articles 1-7
Amendments
First 10 amendments are called “The Bill of Rights”

6. Preamble Outlines the six goals of government: Establish justice
We the People, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure (ensure) domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense promote the general welfare and secure the blessings to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America
Outlines the six goals of government:
Establish justice
Ensure domestic tranquility
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves
Secure the blessing of liberty to our posterity

7. Preamble
Establish justice: Outline measures for people to air complaints and bring justice to those who deserve it
Ensure domestic tranquility: Keep the peace
Provide for the common defense: Raise an army for protection
Promote the general welfare: Allow everyone to benefit for our government
Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves: Protect our country’s values for ourselves
Secure the blessings of liberty to our posterity: Protect our country for future generations

8. The Articles: Article I Article II Article III
Describes the legislative branch (Congress)
Outlines duties, powers and qualifications
Article II
Describes the executive branch (President)
Outlines duties, powers and qualifications for the President and Vice President
Describes the process for electing the president and vice president
Article III
Creates the Supreme Court
Makes the Supreme Court head of the judicial branch

9. The Articles: Article IV Article V Article VI Article VII
Explains the relationship between the states and the national government
Article V
Describes the process for amending, or changing, the Constitution
Article VI
Declares the Constitution, acts of Congress and treaties the “supreme law of the land”
Also known as the supremacy clause
Article VII
Sets out the process for ratifying, or formally approving, the Constitution

10. Six Principles of Government
Popular sovereignty – the power of the U.S. government comes from the people
The government can only govern as long as it has the consent of the people
“government of the people, by the people, for the people” Abraham Lincoln
Federalism – describes the relationship between the states and the national government
The state and the federal governments have different duties and responsibilities

11. Six Principals of Government
Separation of Powers – division of duties and responsibilities for each branch of government
Checks and Balances – Each branch has duties that “check” the power of the other two branches
Example: President nominates federal judges
Example: Senate approves or rejects the presidential candidates

12. Six Principals of Government
Judicial Review – gives power to the courts
The courts can rule on the constitutionality of a law or action of a local, state or the national government
Constitutionality = whether or not the law or action violates the U.S. Constitution.
Limited Government – limits or restricts the power of government to do certain things and not others.
The Bill of Rights lists freedoms that people have that the government may not take away.