The Constitution is the document that the United States is governed by. (A list of all the laws)

Americans felt they deserved all the rights of Englishmen. The British felt the colonies were created to be used in the way that best suited the king and parliament.

Colonies wanted representation in Parliament before being taxed “No taxation without representation.”

The American Revolution began in 1775 between 13 colonies and Great Britain.

Government “by the people” is called Democracy

Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft

Declaration of Independence Unalienable rights are "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"

George Washington was the first official president of the United States

Articles of Confederation were the first national constitution.

Articles of Confederation were too weak. Congress could not force states to obey the central government's policies.

Virginia Plan- both houses of Congress based on population.

New Jersey Plan- called for all states to have equal representation in Congress.

Great Compromise- two houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. – Senate = two senators from each state. – House= each state’s representatives based off population.

Amendment A change to the Constitution

27 Total amount of amendments

Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to Constitution

1 st amendment- Freedom of speech, press, religion, petition, assemble 15th amendment-gave Black males the right to vote 19 th amendment-gave women the right to vote 26 th amendment-gave 18 year olds the right to vote

Preamble Introduction to the constitution

Articles Seven original sections of Constitution that discuss rules and procedures

Article #2 About the executive branch

Article #3 About legislative branch of government

Legislative Branch Makes the laws Includes Senate and House of Representatives

Bicameral Means “2 houses” and refers to the House of Representatives and the Senate

Congress Means the House of Representatives plus the Senate Can declare war

435 Total amount of people in the House of Representatives

100 Total amount of Senators – 2 senators per state

2 Years Term of office of a U.S. Representative

6 years Length of a U.S. Senator’s term in office

Judicial Branch Branch of the central government that decides if a law is constitutional

Judicial Review Allows the federal court system to rule on both the constitutionality and meaning of a federal law.

Marbury vs. Madison Court Case that established judicial review

Supreme Court Has 9 judges Serve for life Appointed by President Decides if laws follow the Constitution or not.

Chief Justice Leader of Supreme Court – Now it is John Roberts

Executive Branch Enforces the laws White House/The President

Requirements of President 35 years of age, a resident "within the United States" for 14 years, and a "natural born Citizen."

President’s Term 4 years per term – May serve a maximum of 10 years – May serve a total of 2 terms

Treaties Made by the President