1. Chapter 9.1 Basic Principles of the US Constitution The Constitution is the foundation on which our government and society are based. There are 7 Articles! –Articles = sections.

2. U.S. Constitution, Article I establishes Legislative Branch Bicameral ( 2 houses) –Senate and House of Representatives Senate –100 members 2 from each state 6 year terms in office House of Representatives –435 members Based on population 2 year terms in office

3. U.S. Constitution, Article II establishes Executive branch Led by President of the United States –Approves or vetoes laws made by Congress –Appoints federal court judges –Negotiates treaties with foreign nations Commander in Chief –Of all branches of the military in the United States Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force

4. U.S. Constitution, Article III established Judicial Branch Supreme Court –Interprets the meaning of laws –Rules whether laws passed by Congress are constitutional or not –Rules whether POTUS has acted accordingly Done when Congress tries to impeach POTUS –Vote to bring charges against a President.

5. U.S. Constitution, Article IV Gives ‘full faith and credit’ to each States –Forces other states to recognize all government acts done by any state Drivers license Marriage documents Birth records

6. U.S. Constitution, Article V Congress can propose Amendments to the US Constitution with 2/3 votes by States. There are 27 amendments today added to the US Constitution! –Can you name any?

7. U.S. Constitution, Article VI All debts owned by America will be recognized and must be paid back. –We owed France a lot of money. Also, the US Constitution is the ‘supreme law of the land’ –Even over any state Constitutions.

8. U.S. Constitution, Article VII Stipulates 9 out of 13 states must sign the Constitution in order for it to be ratified.

9. So, why does the Constitution work? It separates each branches powers! –No one holds “too much” power Legislative branch makes the laws Executive branch carries out the laws Judicial branch interprets the laws

10. Checks and Balances US Constitution prevents the abuse of power by one branch of government by another. How? –Checks and balances Each government has a power over the other.

12. Powers of the federal government given by the Constitution Called delegated powers: –Powers written specifically in the Constitution given only to the federal government Make money Maintain military Establish foreign policy Declare war on other countries

13. Powers Given to State Governments by the US Constitution Reserved Powers –Powers given directly to state governments Examples: –Regulate trade within a state –Establish local governments –Conduct local elections –Establish public school systems

14. Powers shared by federal and state governments Concurrent Powers –Powers that the federal and state governments share. –Examples: Both federal and states can: –Establish and enforce laws –Collect taxes –Borrow money

15. Review Questions Which branch is established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution? Which branch can declare war on another country? What are delegated powers? What are reserved powers?