1. The Constitution
Chapter 10

2. The Constitutional Convention
Chapter 10 Lesson 1

3. Reasons for Change
The national government was too weak and could not keep order or protect the people
Ideas for change
Convention in Philadelphia in May 1787
Goal: Fix the Articles of Confederation

4. The Work Begins Creating the Constitution Major decisions
Needed a brand new constitution
Needed to strengthen the federal system
The powers the national and state governments would share
The constitution helped found the American republic
People would choose the representatives to run the government

5. A Major Debate
Disagreement about how each state would be represented in congress
Virginia Plan
Number of state representatives would be based on a state’s population
New Jersey Plan
Each state would have equal representation or the same amount of representatives in congress

6. Working Together The Great Compromise
Combined the ideas behind the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan to make both large and small states happy
One house based on state’s population
House of Representatives
One house would have equal representation
Senate

7. Compromises on Slavery
Disagreements developed between the southern and northern states
Should slaves be counted as part of a state’s population
Three-Fifths Compromise
Three-fifths (3 out of 5) of the total number of slaves in each state would be counted as part of the population
Slave trade with other countries banned after 1808

8. Three-Fifths Compromise

9. Three Branches of Government
Chapter 10 Lesson 2

10. The Preamble First words: Purpose of the Constitution Key principals
We the People of the United States of America
Purpose of the Constitution
Create a fair form of government
Key principals
Secure liberty or freedom
Establish justice or fairness
Ensure peace
Defend the nation against enemies
Work for the common good

11. Article 1 The Legislative Branch
Two Houses
House of Representatives
Representation based on state population
435 members
Senate
Representation equal for each state
100 members
Main power
Makes laws

12. Article 2 the Executive Branch
Chief Executive
President
Powers
Commander in chief of military
Enforce laws
Veto bills: say no to bills

13. Article 3 The Judicial Branch
Created a Federal Court system
Courts that deal with national laws, treaties, and the Constitution
Highest court in the land is the Supreme Court
Main Power
Decides if laws follow the Constitution
Citizens can add amendments or changes to the Constitution

14. The Bill of Rights
Chapter 10 Lesson 3

15. The Struggle to Ratify Some delegates wanted to: Supporters promised:
Limit the power of the federal government
Protect people’s rights
Supporters promised:
To create a Bill of Rights after the Constitution was ratified or passed

16. The Vote of Approval Delaware was the first state to ratify
Federalists wanted a strong federal government
Anti-Federalists feared a national government having too much power
Ninth state ratified on June 21, 1788

17. Bill of Rights 10 Amendments Purpose Added to the Constitution in 1791
Protect the rights of the people
Added to the Constitution in 1791
Reserved powers belong to the states or people

18. Bill of Rights Amendment 1 Basic Freedoms
Freedom of speech, religion, press, peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances
Amendment 2 Weapons and Militia
Right to own a gun

19. Bill of Rights Amendment 3 Housing Soldiers
People cannot be forced to quarter or house soldiers during times of peace
Amendment 4 Searches & Seizures
Police cannot enter your home and search your personal belongings with a warrant
A warrant is a legal document from a judge granting police permission to search

20. Bill of Rights Amendment 5 Rights of Accused Persons
A person is innocent until proven guilty
People cannot be tried for the same crime twice
Double jeopardy
People do not have to testify against themselves
“Taking the 5th”
Amendment 6 Right to a Fair Trial
Every person has the right to a speedy, public trial by jury
Miranda Rights
Must be told why you are being arrested
Must be provided with a lawyer

21. Bill of Rights Amendment 7 Jury Trial in Civil Cases
If being sued for more than $20 you must have a trial by jury
Civil Trial = cases where people are fighting over money, property or personal injury
Amendment 8 Bail and Punishment
Criminals cannot be punished in cruel or unusual ways
No unreasonable bail
Bail is money people pay to guarantee the accused will appear at the trial

22. Bill of Rights Amendment 9 Rights of the People
Courts have the right to protect personal rights not exactly stated in the Bill of Rights
Amendment 10 Powers of the State and the People
Any powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people

23. The New Government First President
George Washington
in 1789
Federal government moved to Washington D.C. in 1800
Second President
John Adams

24. Constitutional Democracy
Chapter 10 Lesson 4

25. Sharing Powers
The federal government’s power is shared between the 3 branches
Why?
This keeps one part of the government from getting too powerful

26. Checks and Balances
This system keeps one branch from getting too powerful
Each branch has ways to check each other

27. State Powers
Any powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people

28. State and Local Governments
Three levels of government
Federal
State
Local
All levels of government can collect taxes

29. Rights and Responsibilities
Government gets its power from the people
In order for the government to work we must:
Vote
Have civic virtue or support a healthy democracy by
Obeying laws
Serving on juries
Paying taxes
Help control the government