1. What is a Constitution?

2. How would you define…

3. In general, a constitution is a document that organizes a government. Think of a constitution as a rule book for government… Rule Book

4. The United States Constitution does the following: Sets up the government Defines power and limits of the government Lays out some of the rights of the people The social contract created between the government and the people in the U.S. Constitution is what makes us a Constitutional Government. Well, a Constitutional Democracy to be specific…

5. What is a constitutional government?  In a constitutional government, there are limits set on those who are responsible for running the government.  Those limits come from the constitution. Here are some limits placed on those in our government: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion… A President of the United States of America…shall hold his office during a term of four years… In all Cases affecting Ambassadors…and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction… How is this a limit on the Legislative branch? Executive Judicial

6. The People The Constitution protects the rights of the people from the government. Constitutional Government Chart Constitution The People Government The constitution is a social contract between We the People and the government. The government is structured to offer protection for the people through public safety measures and the justice system. The Constitution creates limits and guidelines for the government in order to protect the people from an abuse of power. The people must consent to give the power to make and enforce laws to the government. In a constitutional government, it all starts with the people…

7. Liberty and Rights Order and Security It is essential to create a balance of liberty and rights with order and security. This is the role of a constitution in a constitutional government. Balancing Act Constitutional Government

8. Is there a difference between a Constitutional Government and a government with a constitution?

9. Government with a constitution Government Blah Constitution The People The government creates a constitution in such a way that the constitution does not provide limits. If it does provide limits, it may not provide a means of enforcing those limits. The government with unlimited or unchecked power is able to rule the people as they see fit. There are little to no measures in place to protect the rights of the people

10. Liberty and Rights Order and Security If people have too much liberty and too many unrestricted rights … What if there is no effective constitution to create a balance? …it could result in having less order and security among the people. Government If the government has no control over the people at all and no system for implementing control, what could happen?

11. Liberty and Rights Order and Security On the other hand… If people sacrifice their liberty and rights to the government… …it could lead to an excess of order and security, which could cause an abuse of power. Government What are the implications of the people forfeiting their liberty and rights to the government?

12. Think back to the 5 natural rights your class believed every person should have. What were they?

13. Write down this statement: I am willing to give up some of my natural rights in order to be more safe. NOW…  Write down if you agree or disagree with this statement.  Write down 2-3 reasons why you agree or disagree with this statement. FLREA Copyright 2011

14. If you agree with the statement, go: If you disagree with the statement, go: Agree Disagree FLREA Copyright 2011

15. Now… Agree : Read your statements. If you are repeating an idea that was already said, only add new ideas. Disagree: LISTEN CAREFULLY to each argument! FLREA Copyright 2011

16. DISAGREE What argument from the “Agree’’ side did you think was the BEST?  This does not mean you agree with it, just that it was a good argument.  DO NOT make any arguments yet (you will get a turn). Just identify the best argument. FLREA Copyright 2011

17. Now… Disagree : Read your statements. If you are repeating an idea that was already said, only add new ideas. Agree: LISTEN CAREFULLY to each argument! FLREA Copyright 2011

18. AGREE What argument from the “Agree’’ side did you think was the BEST?  This does not mean you agree with it, just that it was a good argument.  DO NOT make any arguments (you had your turn). Just identify the best argument. FLREA Copyright 2011