The Constitution: A More Perfect Union Chapter 9

Preamble 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.

I. The Preamble Tells the Goals of Government “We The People” Based on the authority of the people Goals To form “a more perfect union” – strength of the states by working together To “establish justice” – ruled by laws To “insure domestic tranquility” – peace and order To “provide for the common defense” –protecting Americans from foreign invaders To “promote the general welfare” – an economy and society where people prosper To “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” – freedom now and in the future

Analysis Knowing what the founders had in mind when they wrote the Constitution, how well do you think today’s leaders follow what they had set forth in the Preamble. Use specific examples.

3 Branches

II. Legislative Branch Makes Laws Article I - gives power to make laws to Legislative Branch Structure of Congress Senate 6 year terms Every state has 2 senators “Upper House” (wiser, more experienced) Must be 30 years old and citizen for 9 years House of Representatives 2 year terms Representation is based on population 1- census every 10 years 2- set at 435 members “Lower House” Must be 25 years old and citizen for 7 years

II. Legislative Branch Makes Laws How Congress Passes Laws Any member of Senate can submit a proposal for a new law (a bill) a) Only House can propose new taxes If majority votes in favor of bill, sent to other house for debate If both houses approve, bill goes to president Becomes law if president signs it President can veto (reject) any proposed law 1 – Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both houses Powers of Congress Can decide how to spend money raised w/ taxes To raise an army/navy, declare war, pay government debts, grant citizenship Can make laws that are necessary for Congress to carry out its power

How a Bill Becomes a Law BrainPOP

III. Executive Branch Carries Out Laws Article II – describes executive branch Electing the President Elected by group of “electors” a) Each states’ electors = representative, senators Serves 4 year term and reelected only once Must be natural-born citizen and 35 years old Powers of the President Commander-in-chief of military forces Makes treaties with other nations Nominates ambassadors, Supreme Court justices grants pardons to those convicted of violating federal law Has departments to carry out duties, part of cabinet State Dept – relations w/ other nations Justice Dept – law enforcement

III. Executive Branch Carries Out Laws D. Removing the President Congress has power to remove President if they violate the Constitution House of Representatives can impeach To formally accuse President of crimes specified in Constitution If House votes to impeach, Senate puts President on trial, w/ senators as jury Guilty = possible removal from office

IV. Judicial Branch Interprets the Law Third Branch Article III establishes Supreme Court as country’s highest court Gives Congress power to make lower courts Have the power to resolve disputes involving national laws, federal government, or states BrainPOP Federal Court System 2 sets of inferior federal court Cases involving federal laws first heard in district court (covers several states) Citizens can appeal decisions from district court (ask higher court to review) Appellate court considers whether original trial was fair, legal Decision made by appellate court can be appealed to Supreme Court

IV. Judicial Branch Interprets the Law Powers of the Supreme Court Decisions are final set at 9 members Justices serve for life Dispute goes straight to Supreme Court if involving a state or ambassador from another nation Only reviews case if justices think decision of lower court might conflict with Constitution or federal law Decisions are announced and explained in writing Judicial review gives Supreme Court power in protecting “law of the land” BrainPOP

V. Checks and Balances Checking the Power of Other Branches “Checks” allow one branch to block the actions of another branch Congress can pass laws President can check power by vetoing bill before it becomes law Congress can check President’s power with 2/3 vote Judicial Branch can also check actions of others Balancing the Power of Other Branches “Balances” allow each branch of the government to have some role in the actions and power of other branches Judges appointed only if President nominates and Senate approves President can sign treaties that take effect if Congress approves Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but President chooses judges and Senate must approve BrainPOP

VI. Amendment Process Changes the Constitution Changing the Constitution Article V – how amendments can be made Require a vote of 2/3 of both houses of Congress Must be approved by legislatures in ¾ of the states Once approved – law of the land Amendments So Far 27 amendments approved of 10,000+ suggested 1st 10 demanded in exchange for support of Constitution a) aka Bill of Rights – guarantee specific rights to citizens Other 17 – one at a time a) Guarantee rights to certain groups of Americans (13 – slavery, 19 – women, 26 – 18+ can vote)

VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States Powers Belonging to National Government Can declare war and make treaties Can print and coin money To regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states Made United States a “free trade zone” 1- goods and resources could flow easily across country 2- easier to create businesses that crossed state lines 3- helped create single national economy

VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States Powers Belonging to the States Can retain any powers not given to nation a) school, marriage, local government, owning property, licensing doctors and lawyer, or most crimes Responsibilities of States to Each Other Article IV – each state must give “full Faith and Credit” to the laws and court decisions of other states Required to help keep track of fleeing criminals Does not allow one state to discriminate against citizen of another state

VII. Federal System Connects the Nation and States Shared Powers Both can raise taxes, build roads, borrow money Congress sets date for national election; states register voters, runs elections, counts votes; national government organizes Electoral College vote Law of the Land 1. A state’s constitution, laws, judicial decisions must agree with Constitution

VIII. Popular Participation in Government Popular Will Majority rule Laws passed in Congress by majority vote Elections decided by majority of voters Political Parties & Interest Groups No mention in Constitution Influence by rallying public opinion, working to elect candidates and persuading lawmakers