The Preamble Defines the Constitution’s Basic Goals To form a more perfect union The states work together as one unified nation, not as separate nations. To establish justice The justice system requires that the law be applied fairly to every American. To ensure domestic tranquillity The government can ensure domestic tranquillity, or peace and order at home. To provide for the common defense To protect citizens against foreign attack, the national government can raise armies and navies. However, the military is under civilian, or nonmilitary, control. To promote the general welfare The national government promotes the general welfare, or the well-being of all its citizens. To secure the blessing of liberty A major goal of the Constitution is to protect the liberty, or freedom, of Americans. Preamble—opening statement Chapter 8, Section 1

The Articles Describe a Framework of Government Chapter 8, Section 1 Article I Describes the legislative branch. Establishes powers and limits on Congress. Article II Describes the executive branch. Establishes powers and limits of the President. Article III Describes the judicial branch. Establishes powers and limits of the courts. Article IV Explains relations between the states. Requires states to honor one another’s laws. Sets out a system for admitting new states. Article V Provides a process for amending the Constitution. Article VI Says the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.” No state law may violate the Constitution.

The Legislative Branch: Congress Chapter 8, Section 2 House of Representatives 435 members Number of representatives for a state is based on that state’s population 2-year terms Presiding officer is the Speaker.

Legislative Branch: Congress Senate - 100 members Two senators per state 6-year terms President of the Senate is the Vice President of the United States – Joe Biden.

To establish post offices Powers of Congress To make laws To declare war To levy taxes To borrow money To coin money To establish post offices Chapter 8, Section 2

How a Bill Becomes a Law Bill—a proposal for a law Chapter 8, Section 2 Bill—a proposal for a law

Executive Branch – Powers of the President Chapter 8, Section 2 To carry out the nation’s laws To direct foreign policy To make treaties To appoint Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officers, ambassadors

Powers of the President To act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces To suggest new laws and work for their passage Can grant pardons

Electing the President Chapter 8, Section 2 The President is elected for a 4-year term. The President can only serve for two terms. The President is elected by the electoral college.

When Americans vote for President, they are really voting for a group of electors pledged to the candidate. Electoral College – Electors from each state are equal to the number of US Senators (2) + the number of US Representatives (number of state’s Congressional Districts)

A few weeks after election, electors meet in each state to vote for President and Vice –President. Results are sent to US Congress The candidate who receives a majority of the 538 electoral votes becomes President, regardless of the outcome of the popular vote.

Chapter 8, Section 2

President and Congress One branch checks another branch by doing the following President Congress vetoing, or rejecting, bills Congress has passed overriding, or overruling, the President’s veto approving or disapproving Presidential appointments ratify or not ratify treaties the President has negotiated The House can impeach, or bring charges of wrongdoing against, the President. The Senate then conducts a trial. Supreme President and Congress declaring laws unconstitutional Chapter 8, Section 2

Only Congress has the power to a) make foreign policy. b) declare war. c) decide cases involving federal laws. d) select electors. Chapter 8, Section 2

Only the President has the power to a) make foreign policy. b) declare war. c) decide cases involving federal laws. d) select electors.

First Amendment Safeguards individual rights—freedom of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble peacefully, the right to petition the government to change its policies. Second Amendment “A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Third Amendment Congress may not force citizens to put up troops in their homes. Fourth Amendment Citizens are protected from unlawful searches of their homes and property. Fifth Amendment People cannot be forced to incriminate, or give evidence against, themselves.

Bill of Rights Sixth Amendment People are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by a fair jury. The accused have a right to know the charges against them and who is making the charges. Seventh Amendment Provides for juries in civil, or non criminal, trials. Eighth Amendment Forbids excessive bail or fines and “cruel and unusual punishments.” Ninth Amendment Citizens’ rights are not limited to those listed in the Constitution. Tenth Amendment All powers not given to the national government or denied to the states are reserved for the states or for the people. Bill of Rights Chapter 8, Section 3