1. A New United States
U.S. Constitution 1787

2. Roots & Heritage
Framers of the Constitution were intelligent/schooled men
Influenced by John Locke’s theories of natural rights
English democratic tradition
Drew on thousands of years of sources & models
Political developments from Greek philosophers & the Roman republic
Magna Carta (1215): limit the monarch’s powers & gave more power to the legislature
English Bill of Rights (1689)
…and Baron de Montequieu’s ideas of separating & balancing the powers of the gov’t

3. Set-up of the Constitution
Preamble
Intro
Articles
7 total
Amendments
Bill of Rights
10 as of 1791
27 overall

4. Preamble of the Constitution
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves & our posterity, do ordain & establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

5. Goals of the Preamble To form a more perfect union (of states)
To establish justice (protect & set the laws)
To ensure domestic tranquility (peace at home)
To provide for the common defense (defend country)
To promote the general welfare (well-being of general population)
To secure the blessings of liberty

6. The Articles Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch
Relation between states
Amendment process
National supremacy
Constitution is “supreme law of the land”
Ratification

7. Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty A monarch is unconstitutional
People have authority
Right to alter or abolish government
Examples in the Constitution:
“We the people…establish this Constitution for the United States of America”
House of Representatives (chosen by people) given power to raise money-bills
States given right to decide on slavery (10th Amendment)

8. Basic Principles Limited Government Examples in the Constitution:
Avoid tyranny
Gov’t has powers only expressed in Constitution
Everyone must obey laws
Examples in the Constitution:
Article 1, Section 9 – Powers denied to Congress
Article 1, Section 10 – Powers denied the States
10th Amendment – Reserved clause…powers reserved to the states

9. Basic Principles Separation of Power Checks & Balances
3 branches of government (Articles 1-3)
Executive: President
Legislative: Congress
Judicial: Courts
Checks & Balances
No abuse of power
Each branch can limit the other two

10. Basic Principles Federalism Division of gov’t power
Federal government divided from the state
State
National
BOTH
Enumerated Powers
Regulate trade
Coin money
Provide an army & navy
Conduct foreign affairs
Set up federal courts
Concurrent Powers
Enforce the laws
Establish courts
Collect taxes
Borrow money
Provide for the general welfare
Reserved Powers
Regulate trade within the state
Establish local gov’t systems
Conduct elections
Establish public schools system

11. Basic Principles Republicanism Individual Rights
Republic form of government
Citizens elect representatives
Example – Article 4, Section 4 – “guaranteed a republican form of government”
Individual Rights
Protects rights of individual citizens

12. Bill of Rights
12 amendments proposed in 1789…10 amendments ratified by Congress on 12/15/1791 & known as Bill of Rights
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, & petition
Right to bear arms
No lodging troops in private homes
Search & Seizure
Rights of the accused
Right to speedy trial by jury
Jury trial in civil cases
Bail & punishment
Powers to the people
Powers to the states 12