Basic Constitutional Principles

1789-Present Our Plan of Government Limits power by: Creating 3 Separate branches, each w/job Each branch “checks” the other 2 so no branch gets too powerful Created a Federal System in which-(Federalism) National Government has certain powers- Declare War-Coin $$$-Delegated Powers State Governments have certain powers- Schools and Licenses-Reserved Powers Both Levels share powers-Tax-Concurrent Powers

Basic Constitutional Principles Can be Amended/Changed 27 Total First 10 Bill of Rights /3 of Congress + ¾ of States must agree to amendment. Republic/Representative Government National Government is Supreme to State Governments

Basic Constitutional Principles Separation of Powers: Constitution set up a gov’t divided into 3 branch With 3 branches one person or group would be prevented from becoming too powerful

Basic Constitutional Principles Power to make laws Must approve treaties and presidential appointments Decides how much money will be used and collected

Basic Constitutional Principles Enforces the law Makes treaties Carries out foreign policy Suggests needed laws Runs executive depts Suggests budgets Appoints judges and Cabinet members

Basic Constitutional Principles Interprets the law Decides meanings of the law Determines if laws are constitutional Determines if actions of the President are constitutional Presides over Impeachment trial

Basic Constitutional Principles Checks and Balances –Each branch will “check” the others and make sure that power is “balanced” between the 3

Basic Constitutional Principles Congress: Enacts taxes, authorizes borrowing, and sets the budget Has sole power to declare war May start investigations, especially against the executive branch The Senate considers presidential appointments of judges and executive department heads The Senate ratifies treaties The House of Representatives may impeach, and the Senate may remove, executive and judicial officers

Basic Constitutional Principles President May veto laws Executive orders Appoints judges and executive department heads Has power to grant pardons to convicted persons, except in cases of impeachment

Basic Constitutional Principles Supreme Court Determines which laws Congress intended to apply to any given case Determines whether a law is unconstitutional Determines how Congress meant the law to apply to disputes Determines how laws should be interpreted Judges remain subject to impeachment and removal by Congress Chief Justice will preside over Impeachment Trial