This motto was adopted in 1782 by the Founding Fathers. December 9, 2013- E Pluribus Unum-”From Many One” This motto was adopted in 1782 by the Founding Fathers. Copy the motto above. What do you think the Founding Fathers were trying to say?

The Constitutional Convention 1787 Met in Philadelphia with George Washington as leader The purpose was to create a republic In a republic the decisions rest upon the consent of the people who elect representatives 9 states were needed for ratification or approval The Original 13 States

Decisions of the Constitutional Convention Federalism Throw out the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger federal or national government Create a federalism, a constitutional system with powers shared between the national and state governments

Compromises of the Constitutional Convention The Great Compromise Bicameral Legislature House of Representatives Representation based on population Senate Each state has equal representation 3/5 Compromise Debate over counting slaves for purposes of representation Each slave counts as 3/5 of a person Slave trade will end in 1808

The Constitution of the United States of America -The Law of the Land-

The Preamble We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.

GOALS OF THE PREAMBLE PREAMBLE EXPLANATION EXAMPLES “Form a more perfect Union” Create a nation in which states work together *interstate roads *U.S. coins, paper money “Establish justice” Make laws and set up courts that are fair *court system *jury system “Insure domestic tranquility Keep peace in the country *National Guard *Federal Marshals “Provide for the common defense” Safeguard the country against attack *Army *Navy “Promote the general welfare” Contribute to the happiness and well-being of all the people *Safety in the workplace *aid to the poor “Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity” Make sure future citizens remain free *Commission on Civil Rights *Federal Election Commission

The Constitution INTRODUCTION THAT STATES THE PURPOSE PREAMBLE ARTICLES PROVIDES THE STRUCTURE AND DEFINITION AMENDMENTS PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE

THE BILL OF RIGHTS Many people thought the Constitution made the government too strong and disagreed with it. They were called Anti-Federalists. Thomas Jefferson proposed adding the Bill of Rights. These 10 amendments protected the individual rights of the Americans. They guaranteed: Freedom of worship, speech and press Trial by jury No unusual punishments No housing of soldiers Right to bear arms No search and seizure without a court order

The United States Constitution Federal System of Government The Three Branches of Government Balance of Power EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE JUDICIAL CARRIES OUT THE LAWS MAKES THE LAWS JUDGES THE LAWS PRESIDENT CABINET SENATE HOUSE OF SUPREME COURT AND REPRESENTATIVES VICE PRESIDENT

CHECKS AND BALANCES The constitution divides the powers given to the national government This division keeps one branch from being more powerful than another and also allows each branch to check on another’s actions and decisions. EXECUTIVE BRANCH The President may: Pardon people convicted of federal crimes Appoints federal judges JUDICIAL BRANCH The Supreme Court may: Declare President’s actions unconstitutional Declare laws unconstitutional The President may: Veto laws passed by Congress Call a special session of Congress The Supreme Court may: Declare laws unconstitutional LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The Congress may: Override President’s veto Refuse to approve a treaty Refuse to approve a President’s appointments Remove a President from office The Senate and House may: Overrule decisions of the courts by proposing constitutional amendments May remove federal judges

What part did North Carolina play? NC met in Hillsborough on July 21, 1788 and decided NOT to ratify, or approve, the Constitution. NC believed that it created a central or federal government too powerful. NC and Rhode Island decided to remain totally independent of the United States. In Fayetteville in 1789, with the promise of a Bill of Rights, NC became the 12th state to approve the Constitution.