1. The Preamble Defines the Constitution’s Basic Goals
To form a more perfect union
The states work together as one unified nation, not as separate nations.
To establish justice
The justice system requires that the law be applied fairly to every American.
To ensure domestic tranquillity
The government can ensure domestic tranquillity, or peace and order at home.
To provide for the common defense
To protect citizens against foreign attack, the national government can raise armies and navies. However, the military is under civilian, or nonmilitary, control.
To promote the general welfare
The national government promotes the general welfare, or the well-being of all its citizens.
To secure the blessing of liberty
A major goal of the Constitution is to protect the liberty, or freedom, of Americans.
Preamble—opening statement
Chapter 8, Section 1

2. The Articles Describe a Framework of Government
Chapter 8, Section 1
Article I
Describes the legislative branch. Establishes powers and limits on Congress.
Article II
Describes the executive branch. Establishes powers and limits of the President.
Article III
Describes the judicial branch. Establishes powers and limits of the courts.
Article IV
Explains relations between the states. Requires states to honor one another’s laws. Sets out a system for admitting new states.
Article V
Provides a process for amending the Constitution.
Article VI
Says the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.” No state law may violate the Constitution.

3. The Legislative Branch: Congress
Chapter 8, Section 2
House of Representatives
435 members
Number of representatives for a state is based on that state’s population
2-year terms
Presiding officer is the Speaker.

4. Legislative Branch: Congress
Senate members
Two senators per state
6-year terms
President of the Senate is the Vice President of the United States – Joe Biden.

5. To establish post offices
Powers of Congress
To make laws
To declare war
To levy taxes
To borrow money
To coin money
To establish post offices
Chapter 8, Section 2

6. How a Bill Becomes a Law Bill—a proposal for a law
Chapter 8, Section 2
Bill—a proposal for a law

7. Executive Branch – Powers of the President
Chapter 8, Section 2
To carry out the nation’s laws
To direct foreign policy
To make treaties
To appoint Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officers, ambassadors

8. Powers of the President
To act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces
To suggest new laws and work for their passage
Can grant pardons

9. Electing the President
Chapter 8, Section 2
The President is elected for a 4-year term.
The President can only serve for two terms.
The President is elected by the electoral college.

10. When Americans vote for President, they are really voting for a group of electors pledged to the candidate.
Electoral College – Electors from each state are equal to the number of US Senators (2) + the number of US Representatives (number of state’s Congressional Districts)

11. A few weeks after election, electors meet in each state to vote for President and Vice –President. Results are sent to US Congress
The candidate who receives a majority of the 538 electoral votes becomes President, regardless of the outcome of the popular vote.

12. Chapter 8, Section 2

13. President and Congress
One branch
checks another branch
by doing the following
President
Congress
vetoing, or rejecting, bills Congress has passed
overriding, or overruling, the President’s veto
approving or disapproving Presidential appointments
ratify or not ratify treaties the President has negotiated
The House can impeach, or bring charges of wrongdoing against, the President. The Senate then conducts a trial.
Supreme
President and Congress
declaring laws unconstitutional
Chapter 8, Section 2

14. Only Congress has the power to a) make foreign policy. b) declare war.
c) decide cases involving federal laws.
d) select electors.
Chapter 8, Section 2

15. Only the President has the power to
a) make foreign policy.
b) declare war.
c) decide cases involving federal laws.
d) select electors.

16. First Amendment
Safeguards individual rights—freedom of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble peacefully, the right to petition the government to change its policies.
Second Amendment
“A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
Third Amendment
Congress may not force citizens to put up troops in their homes.
Fourth Amendment
Citizens are protected from unlawful searches of their homes and property.
Fifth Amendment
People cannot be forced to incriminate, or give evidence against, themselves.

17. Bill of Rights Sixth Amendment
People are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by a fair jury. The accused have a right to know the charges against them and who is making the charges.
Seventh Amendment
Provides for juries in civil, or non criminal, trials.
Eighth Amendment
Forbids excessive bail or fines and “cruel and unusual punishments.”
Ninth Amendment
Citizens’ rights are not limited to those listed in the Constitution.
Tenth Amendment
All powers not given to the national government or denied to the states are reserved for the states or for the people.
Bill of Rights
Chapter 8, Section 3