Principles of the Constitution

Objectives Analyze the philosophy behind the Preamble of the Constitution Explain the three basic principles of the U.S. Constitution

Preamble We the people, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure 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 of the United States of America Preamble

Basic Principles 1. Federalism (p. 72) power divided between the central government and the states Power derived from the citizens Article 4 (Supremacy Clause) How did the Framers deal with the concern of those who feared a strong central government impinging on people’s rights? 10th amendment gave powers not explicitly directed to the central government to the individual States

Supremacy Clause

Basic Principles cont. 2. Separation of Powers (p. 51) “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” 3 branches of government Separately staffed Equal under the constitution and independent of each other Q. How are the three branches interconnected?

Separation of powers cont. Law-making Legislative Branch highlights Directly represent the people (House, Senate) Impeachment Override presidential veto Federal Budget Approves presidential appointments

Separation cont. Law-enforcing Executive Branch Carries out laws Approve or veto Submit legislation Nominated Supreme court and federal judges Commander in Chief

Separation cont. Law-interpreting Judicial Branch Invalidate laws (Constitution) Invalidate executive orders (Constitution)

How are the 3 branches interconnected? A. Law-making, law-enforcing, law-interpreting

Basic principles cont. 3. Checks and Balances Identify the checks and balances within the system. (p51) Legislative Executive Judicial

Objectives revisited Analyze the philosophy behind the Preamble of the Constitution Explain the three basic principles of the U.S. Constitution