1. Chapter 8: The Constitution
Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution

2. Preamble Opening statement Establish justice
Form a more perfect Union
Establish justice
Insure Domestic Tranquility
Provide for the Common Defense
Promote the General Welfare
Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves & our posterity

3. 7 Principles Principles: Popular Sovereignty Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances
Federalism
Republicanism
Individual Rights

4. 7 Articles Articles: 1. Legislative 2. Executive 3. Judicial
4. States’ Rights
5. Amendments
6. Highest Law of the Land
7. Ratification Process

5. 3 Branches Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Checks & Balances
Each Branch limits the power of the other two

6. Legislative Branch Made up of Senate & House
Senate-VP & House-Speaker (Congress)
Only officials chosen by voters
Most important power is to make laws (proposed laws=bills)
Can override Presidential veto, ratify treaties, & impeach

7. Executive Branch President Carries out laws
Can veto (reject), make appointments, & call special sessions of Congress
Chosen by Electoral College- complex system of people pledged to a candidate

8. Judicial Branch Declares laws unconstitutional
District Court, Court of Appeals, & the Supreme Court
Supreme Court is the “court of last resort”

9. Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments Ratified by ¾ state legislatures
Examples
1-freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, & petition
5-can’t be forced to incriminate yourself (due process/rights of the accused)

10. Amendments Change 27 total
Proposed by Congress or a national convention
Ratified by ¾ state legislatures
Living Document-can be changed in response to new needs & challenges

11. Specific Amendments
13-abolished slavery 14-citizenship for ALL born here (specifically slaves) 15-voting rights for ALL men 19-voting rights for women 26-lowered voting age to 18

13. State Governments Longer & more detailed Constitutions
Constitutional Initiative (process of causing change)
Grants licenses to doctors, lawyers, & teachers
State education

14. Local Governments Responsible for police & fire protection
Provide parks, sports arenas, libraries, etc…
School district

15. Citizenship Citizen-owes loyalty to nation & community
Born here
Naturalized through legal process
Immigrant-enters a country to settle & can be naturalized
Resident alien (noncitizen)

16. Civic Virtue
Sacrifice for good of the nation/community (Responsibility)
Democratic values (honesty, compassion, & courage)
Patriotism-love of country

17. Civic Responsibilities
Voting
Obeying laws
Defending nation
Jury duty
Serving community
Being informed