1. Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution
U.S. History Chapter 8

2. 1787 through TODAY
The Constitution was written to serve as the framework of the U.S. government
This is a function of the Articles, or the main body of the Constitution

3. The Preamble Sets Goals
Preamble: Opening statement of the Constitution
To form a more perfect Union
To establish justice
To ensure domestic tranquility

4. Articles and Amendments
Constitutional amendments can be proposed by either Congress or a national convention.
A constitutional initiative is a process by which citizens act directly to cause change.

5. Articles and Amendments
The 13th amendment abolished slavery
The 26th amendment lowered the legal age for voting from 21 to 18.

6. 7 Basic Principles
The Articles of the Constitution concern the seven principles of:
Popular sovereignty
Separation of powers
Federalism
Individual rights
Republicanism
Checks & balances
Limited government

8. Legislative Branch
The most important power of Congress is to make the nation’s laws.
Congress can override vetoes, ratify treaties, and has impeachment powers to check the powers of the other two branches.

9. Legislative Branch
Only Congress has the power to impeach, or bring formal charges against, the President.
Congress can propose constitutional amendments.

10. Executive Branch
The President has the duty to carry out the nation’s laws.
The President and Vice-President are the only elected officials to be chosen by all American voters.

11. Presidential Powers
The President can veto bills passed by Congress, make appointments, and call special sessions of Congress
To override is to check the power of a presidential veto

12. Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court is the “court of last resort.” Its decisions are final.
The Court of Appeals is located between District Courts and the Supreme Court in the federal system of courts.

13. Bill of Rights
Guarantees freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, individual rights, right to meet peacefully, and protection against abuse of power.

14. Bill of Rights
Three-quarters of the state legislatures had to ratify the Bill of Rights before it became law.

15. State Government
The level of government which grants licenses to doctors, lawyers, and teachers
State governments bear the main responsibility for public education

16. State Government
Most state constitutions are longer and more detailed than the Constitution of the United States.

17. Local Government
Local governments have only those powers and functions that the state gives them.
Responsible for providing police and fire protection

18. VOCABULARY
Popular Sovereignty: right of people to alter their government
Democratic values: honesty, courage, compassion, patriotism, respect and responsibility

19. VOCABULARY Incriminate: give evidence against others or oneself
Impeach: bring charges of serious wrongdoing against an official.

20. VOCABULARY Civic virtue: willingness to sacrifice for the common good
Obeying the law, serving on a jury, and being informed are civic responsibilities of each citizen

21. VOCABULARY
Electoral College: complex system for choosing a United States President
Naturalize: to complete the legal process for citizenship. A naturalized citizen has completed the legal process for becoming a U.S. citizen.

22. 1787 to Present