THE US CONSTITUTION Chapter 4 - A CLOSER LOOK

THE CONSTITUTION 1.Based on six principles: a. The rule by the people – democracy! b. Limited powers – Freedoms are protected c. Separation of Powers – 3 branches – legislative, executive and judicial d. Checks and Balances – each branch has powers over the others e. Judicial Review – the courts are involved f. Federal government has some powers, state governments have own powers, too

7 Articles of Government 2.The 7 Articles of Government a. The Preamble - tells the purpose of the Constitution b. Article I – III -Separation of Powers – 3 branches in government are given powers over each other

c. Article I - The Legislative Branch – creates Congress who makes the laws: Senate and the House of Representatives d. Article II - The Executive Branch - the President carries out the laws of the land - the President represents the US in dealings with other countries - the President is the head of the armed forces - the President can ask for laws to be passed - the President reports on the well-being of the country

e. Article III -The Judicial Branch – the Supreme Court is created and decides final appeals of cases - gives Congress the power to set up lower courts f. Article IV - State Governments – All states have to honor laws of other states - Rights of citizens are guaranteed in all states - Each state has three branches of government

g. Article V -Making Changes - Amendments may be made – since the people made it, they can change it! – 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress AND ¾ of the states to make changes - a national convention can be held where 2/3 of states ask for one and ¾ of states must ratify

h. Article VI - Constitution is the Supreme Law – all leaders in government must swear to obey and uphold law - all state and federal laws must uphold the law I.Article VII - Ratification - 9 of original 13 states had to pass the Constitution!

3.Principles of Limited Government 1. Executive Branch a. enforces the law b. Executive Powers - can veto acts of Congress - can call special session of Congress - can suggest laws and send messages to Congress

2. Legislative Branch a. makes laws b. Legislative Powers - can impeach / remove president - can override veto - controls spending - can refuse presidential appointments - ratifies treaties - can impeach and remove federal judges - establishes lower federal courts - can refuse to confirm judicial appointees

3. Judicial Branch a. interprets law b. Judicial Powers - can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional - can declare executive acts unconstitutional - judges are appointed for life, free from control