Understanding the Constitution Chapter 5 – Section 1 Pgs. 144-148 CA Standard 8.2.6

Objectives: Today we will learn about the Constitution. So we can understand that the Constitution provides the foundation of the U.S. government. We will know we understand when we can identify the separation of powers that exists between the branches of the federal gov.

Federal System The federal system of gov. is a system that divided powers between the states and the federal gov. Reflection Q: The founding fathers wanted the central gov. to be powerful enough to do which 2 things?

Legislative Branch This branch makes the nation’s laws Congress Article 1 divides Congress into 2 houses House of Rep=435 members Unlimited amount of terms

House of Representatives Larger congressional house 435 members # of reps based on pop # stays 435 based on apportionment If a state gains a rep, another state loses a rep 2 year terms Reflection Q: What are the 3 guidelines for being a state rep? 1. 25 years old 2. Live in the state where elected 3. U.S. citizen for 7+ years

Senate 2 reps/Senators per state Senators represent the entire state 6 year terms Reflection Q: What are the 3 guidelines for being a state senator? 1. 30+ years old 2. U.S. citizen for 9+ years 3. Live in the state they represent

Leadership The political party with the majority of member in the majority party Fewer members = minority party Reflection Qs: Who is the Speaker of the House? Who is the President of the Senate? What is his job? Reflection Answers: Who is the Speaker of the House? Elected by House members from the majority party. Who is the President of the Senate? U.S. Vice Pres. What is his job? No debates, but has tie-breaker vote

Executive Branch Article II lists powers Enforces the nation’s laws

President and Vice President Most powerful elected leader in the U.S. Qualifications: Born in the U.S. citizen 35+ years old Resident for 14+ years 4 year term / Max 2 terms Reflection Q: Which amendment limits presidents to two terms? 22nd Amendment Who was the only president to serve more than 2 terms? Franklin D. Roosevelt

Impeachment House of Reps can impeach a president Impeachment cases are tried in the Senate Reflection Q: Who were the only 2 presidents who were impeached? 1868-Andrew Johnson 1998-Bill Clinton What was the end result? Senate found both men “not guilty”

Working with Congress The president and Congress must work together Reflection Q: Powers of the president? Veto Issue executive order Grant pardons Powers of Congress? Passes laws

Judicial Branch The judicial branch determines whether or not laws are constitutional District Courts Court of Appeals Supreme Court Reflection Q: Which Article outlines the courts’ duties? Article III

Checking for Understanding

Directions: Identify the separation of powers that exists between the branches of the federal government. - For each branch, list the different powers each branch Separation of Powers Legislative Executive Judicial

Separation of Powers Legislative 1. Writes the laws 2. Confirms presidential appointments 3. Approves treaties 4. Grants money 5. Declares war Executive 1. Proposes laws 2. Administers the laws 3. Commands the armed forces 4. Appoints ambassadors & other officials 5. Conducts foreign policy 6. Makes treaties Judicial 1. Interprets the Constitution & other laws 2. Reviews lower-court decision.

Analyzing Federalism Activity One reason the framers of the Constitution delegated some powers to the federal gov. (rather than reserving them for state govs) was to avoid difficult situations between the states

You will be divided into small groups Each will be given a delegated power The coining of money Regulating interstate & international trade Providing for national defense Declaring war Conducting diplomacy

In your group, you will create skit highlighting the confusion that might occur if state govs held the delegated power. Each member of the group should participate in the skit in some way You need a visual to demonstrate the idea that your group is attempting to express.