Unit 3: The U.S. Constitution
Class Starter “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” 1. What does this sentence mean?
Structure of the Constitution
Parts of the Constitution 1. Preamble—Introduction/opening Explains purpose and intent of Constitution 2. 7 Articles Set up the federal government Amendments Additions to the Constitution Ensures and Expands people’s rights
The Articles Article I—Establishes Congress Article II—Establishes President Article III—Establishes Federal Courts
Article IV (4)—Full Faith and Credit Clause States must treat each other equally States must establish republic forms of government Article V (5)—The Amendment Process Article VI (6)—The Supremacy Clause There is no law in the US higher than the Constitution
Article VII (7)—The Constitution will go into law when 9/13 states ratify it
Class Starter 1.Who are the two characters in the cartoon? 2.What important symbols do you see in the cartoon? 3.What is the point about government powers the author is trying to get across? 4.Do you agree or disagree with the author’s point? Why or why not?
Principles of the Constitution
I. Limited Government The government’s powers should be limited Our protections from abusive government: List of rights—Bill of Rights Duties and limitations of government are specifically written in the Constitution Magna Carta, 1215
II. Rule of Law The law applies to EVERYONE, including those who govern Lindsey Lohan, Busted Celebrity
III. Popular Sovereignty The people have the right to rule themselves We do this through our system of representative democracy
IV. Federalism A form of government in which power is divided between the national government and the states
Enumerated powers: powers given only to the federal government Ex. Coin money, declare war, regulate trade Reserved powers: powers reserved to the state governments Ex. Conduct elections, establish public schools Concurrent powers: powers given to both levels of government Ex. Collect taxes, enforce laws
V. Separation of Powers The separation of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
VI. Checks and Balances A system of government in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain, the power of others
Class Starter 1.How can someone obtain U.S. citizenship by birth? 2.Explain/describe the Mayflower Compact. 3.What was the main cause of the American Revolution? 4.Explain 2 principles of government from yesterday’s notes.
Changing the US Constitution
I. Introduction The U.S. Constitution is a living document It’s flexible enough to change with the times! There are 2 ways to change the Constitution: 1.The Amendment Process (official) 2.Interpretation (unofficial)
II. The Amendment Process -Amendment: Any change to the Constitution Proposal Vote of 2/3 members of both houses of Congress Ratification Approved by 3/4 of 50 state legislatures Proposal By national convention called by 2/3 of 50 state legislatures Ratification Approved by 3/4 of ratifying conventions held in 50 states
III. Change By Interpretation Necessary and Proper Clause Congress has the power to make all laws “necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties Gives Congress the power to do things not specifically listed in the Constitution (implied powers)
The US Supreme Court Has the final interpretation of the Constitution because it’s the highest court in the country
Quick Write Now that you understand how an amendment can be made to the Constitution, what amendment would you like to see added and why?
Study for your Ballot Box #3 Quiz!!! Class Starter
1.What is naturalization? 2.Why did the Pilgrims and the Puritans come to the New World? 3.List 2 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. 4.Explain the amendment process.
The Amendments See Amendments Study Guide!