Constitution September 17, 1787

7 Principles of the Constitution 1.Popular Sovereignty 2.Republicanism 3.Federalism 4.Separation of Powers 5.Checks and Balances 6.Limited Government 7.Individual Rights

Checks and Balances Each branch of government can be a control over the other branch – Example: Congress passes a law – the President can veto the law – Congress can override the President’s veto by a 2/3 majority – the Supreme Court can declare that the law passed by Congress violates the Constitution

Congress(Legislative)

Congress Powers of Congress (some)… 1.Collect Taxes/Borrow money 2.Regulate commerce 3.Coin money 4.Establish a postal service 5.Patents/Copyrights 6.Declare war 7.To Raise Army/Navy 8.Elastic Clause: all laws necessary and proper to carry out powers 9.Impeach President

White House (Executive) Powers of the President… 1.Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces 2.Chief Executive 3.Grant pardons 4.Make treaties 5.Appointments – Ex. Supreme Court 6.Can suggest laws 7.Veto

Supreme Court (Judicial) How many judges are on the Supreme Court? – 9…appointed for life Has the power to rule in cases involving the Constitution, national laws, treaties, & state conflicts Judicial Review: deciding whether a law or government activity violates the Constitution

Individual Rights How are personal rights and freedoms protected? – The Bill of Rights (added 1789) – the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution

1 st Amendment Protects five basic freedoms The Freedom of… 1.Speech 2.Press 3.Assembly 4.Religion 5.Petition

2 nd Amendment Right to keep and bear arms Maintain a well-regulated militia

3 rd Amendment No quartering of soldiers – Quartering: giving someone a place to stay What act passed by Great Britain do you think this refers to? – Quartering Act

4 th Amendment No Unreasonable Search and Seizure – Seizure: take something away Warrant must have Probable Cause describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized

5 th Amendment Rights of Accused Persons Five Rights… 1.Indictment by a Grand Jury (indictment = formal accusation) 2.Double Jeopardy: can’t be tried twice for the same crime if found innocent in the first case 3.Self –incrimination: don’t have to testify against yourself 4.Can’t be denied basic rights without due process (fair treatment) 5.Private Property can’t be taken without payment

6 th Amendment Rights when accused of a crime – right to trial 1.Right to a speedy, public trial with an impartial jury 2.Must be informed of crimes you are accused of 3.Question witnesses testifying against you 4.Can have witnesses in your favor 5.Right to a lawyer (legal counsel) for your defense

7 th Amendment Trial by Jury in Civil Cases (cases involving law suits for damages – money) As long as the law suit is $20 or more

8 th Amendment Limits of fines and punishments 1.Protects against Excessive Bail Bail: money paid by arrested persons to guarantee they will return for trial 2.Protects against Cruel and Unusual Punishment What about the Death Penalty?

9 th Amendment Rights of the people don’t end with just what is written in the Constitution

10 th Amendment Powers not directly given to the United States (national government) by the Constitution are given to the States or the People

Basic Freedoms Also called Civil Rights 1.Speech 2.Press 3.Assembly 4.Religion 5.Petition

13 th Amendment Abolished Slavery – Practice of slavery (involuntary servitude) was ended

Equal Protection Under the Law Right to be treated equally – Government cannot treat one individual or group differently (14 th Amendment)

Equal Protection Under the Law No Slavery Right to vote to women (women’s suffrage) Right to vote to 18 year olds Civil Rights Acts of 1964 protects voting rights and prevents discrimination Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of disabled citizens (handicap parking)

Limits to Rights Government can place limits on certain rights to protect national security or to provide equal opportunities for all citizens You cannot falsely shout, “Fire” in a crowded theatre.

19 th Amendment Woman Suffrage – Suffrage: vote – In other words, women get to vote – 19 th Amendment passed in 1919… – 19 –

26 th Amendment Citizens 18 years of age or older receive the right to vote Vietnam War

A group of citizens organizes a peaceful march through the streets of their nation’s capital. They carry signs calling for the nation’s leader to resign. Describe how likely this type of protest could be held in a presidential democracy and in a dictatorship. Explain the reason for these differences.

The U.S. Constitution is a living document that has evolved over time through the process of amendment. Summarize the changes to the Constitution introduced by the 19 th and 26 th Amendments. Explain how these changes affected individuals and groups in the U.S.