The Constitution Chapter 5, Lesson 3

The Supreme Law of the Land The Constitution Limited by the consent of the people Organized into articles and clauses Preamble lists the goals of our government

Goals of Our Government To Form a More Perfect Union Better than the Articles of Confederation More effective national government To Establish Justice Legal system to fairly resolve disputes To Ensure Domestic Tranquility Peaceful society, protected from unlawful acts of others

Goals of Our Government To Provide for the Common Defense Protect citizens from attack by other countries To Promote the General Welfare Attempt to create conditions that will benefit all Americans To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity Protects liberty of all citizens, protects future Americans

Article 1: The Legislative Branch CONGRESS Primary Job: Make Laws Congress composed of: House of Representatives 435 members, 2 year terms Senate 100 members, 6 year terms

Article 1: The Legislative Branch Powers include: Delegated Powers: Those powers assigned to Congress Elastic Clause: power to make all “necessary and proper” laws If the country needs a law, Congress has power to create it Flexibility to change with the times Power limited by stating specific actions forbidden to Congress

Article 2: The Executive Branch Power held by one person: the President Some of the authority of a monarch Governs with the consent of the people President’s job: execute (carry out) laws Constitution is less specific on the job of the President compared to Congress

Article 3: The Judicial Branch Primary focus: interpret laws neither Congress nor the President should control both have power in process of appointing judges judges serve for life, condition: good behavior Supreme Court Final say in cases involving Constitution Nine Justices, one is Chief Justice Currently Chief Justice John Roberts

Article 4: The States Each state must honor laws of the other states helps preserve state’s rights reduces the possibility of conflicts between states

Article 4: The States Federalism: division of power between federal and state governments Gives federal government the authority it needs protects states rights Maintained by states: schools, local police

Article 4: The States Concurrent powers: powers shared by state and federal government Reserved powers: powers not given to Congress or denied to the states, states have these powers

Article 5: Amending the Constitution Constitution might need to change with the times Instructions provided to amend High standard for passage Why?

Article 6: Supremacy of Constitution No state or federal law can violate the Constitution If state law conflicts with federal law, federal law takes priority

Article 7: Ratification Procedures provided for ratification (approval) of the Constitution

Amendments First 10 are the Bill of Rights Provide list of protections of citizens Limits authority of the government

Limited Government Federalism Separation of Powers between states, local and federal government between branches of government wanted to prevent abuse of power Checks and balances Powers given to one branch of government to provide checks on power of other branches