EQ:Why is our Constitution so important?

I. The Constitution of the United States The U.S. Constitution states basic principles, spells out powers, the limits of those powers, and how the government is to be organized.

I. The Constitution of the United States B. The U.S. Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.” C. The new nation of 13 states was first governed under the Articles of Confederation.

I. The Constitution of the United States D. What was the main weakness of the Articles? No control over national problems E. The “Preamble” is the introduction to the Constitution.

I. The Constitution of the United States F. 2 problems the framers faced in shaping the new government: 1. Strong enough to hold country together 2. Persuade states to give up power

I. The Constitution of the United States G. Power would be shared in two ways: 1. separation of powers: each branch would have various checks on the other branches to balance power. 2. federalism: national government shares power with state governments.

II. Separation of Powers A. Three branches – powers: 1. Legislative – make laws 2. Executive – enforce laws 3. Judicial – interpret laws

II. Separation of Powers B. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, or with two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

II. Separation of Powers C. The executive branch is headed by the President. D. The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court. They review and interpret U.S. laws.

II. Separation of Powers E. The state chief executive is called the “Governor.” F. The state legislature is called the “General Assembly.”

III. Checks and Balances A. Through this system, each branch can curb the powers of the other two branches. B. The power of one branch to check another prevents any single branch from taking full control.

III. Checks and Balances C. The President has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress. D. Congress has the power to override a veto by a two-thirds vote.

III. Checks and Balances E. The Supreme Court has the power to overturn a law passed by Congress. F. By checking power with power, the framers aimed to achieve a balance among all three branches.

IV. Federalism A. Under federalism, authority such as coining money is given to the national government. B. Authority over child custody is reserved for the states.

IV. Federalism C. Both national and state governments can impose taxes. D. Distribution of power: 1. Powers of the national government: (enumerated & implied)

Declare war Set up postal service Rules for citizenship IV. Federalism Coin money Declare war Set up postal service Rules for citizenship

g. maintain army and navy IV. Federalism e. regulate intrastate business f. make treaties g. maintain army and navy h. “necessary and proper” & elastic clause: make laws not specified in Constitution

IV. Federalism 2. Bill of Rights: protects rights of individuals and states 3. Powers of the states: (reserved/delegated) a. create local governments b. regulate marriage and divorce

d. license occupations and businesses e. conduct elections IV. Federalism c. operate public schools d. license occupations and businesses e. conduct elections

g. protect persons and property h. regulate traffic on roads IV. Federalism f. regulate political parties g. protect persons and property h. regulate traffic on roads

IV. Federalism 4. Shared Powers: a. levy and collect taxes b. establish courts c. regulate public utilities d. take property for public use

IV. Federalism 4. Shared Powers: e. build highways f. define crimes g. police power: laws to protect public health, morals, safety, or welfare

E. Guaranties to the States The Constitution guarantees that national government will protect each state from foreign invasion. The Constitution provides for the admission of new states into the Union.

IV. Federalism Guaranties: 3. Most importantly, the Constitution guarantees each state a republican form of government.

IV. Federalism Amending the Constitution 1. 2/3 of each house of Congress must propose an amendment. 2. 3/4 of the states must ratify, or vote for, the proposed amendment.

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism As a result of the Civil War: States could not withdraw from the Union. The 14th Amendment prohibits states from violating citizen’s rights.

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism (1870-1940) 1. Laws that outlawed unfair business practices. 2. Laws that regulated interstate commerce.

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism Laws that protected resources. 4. Establishment of the Federal Reserve System. 5. Federal funding for vocational education and highway construction.

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism New Deal: a. jobs and welfare assistance b. roads and bridges c. health clinics d. schools e. agriculture and manufacturing

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism The 1950’s & 1960’s 1. Civil Rights Movement a. Brown v. Board of Education b. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965

V. The Changing Shape of Federalism The Cold War with the Soviet Union and the space race increased federal aid for education. 3. Federal aid for aging cities and poor people increased federal influence on local governments.

VI. A Third Level of Government Within the States, there is a third level of government: local government. Local governments are created by states.