1. Basic Fact Week of: 3/18/13-3/22/13
3/18/13 – Jeannette Rankin was the first female elected to Congress.
3/20/13 – McCulloch v. Maryland established broad interpretation of the Constitution.
3/21/13 – Marbury v. Madison established Supreme Court judicial review.

2. The Constitution
Objectives: TLW identify the structure and function of the U.S. Constitution.
Standard: 5.2 understand specific historical documents and institutions which shaped the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

3. Parts of the Constitution
Structure
Parts
7,000 words
Establishes the power of government
Does not spell out everything
Preamble – due next Fri.
Introduction
Why was it written?
Provide stability and order
Protect citizens’ liberties
Serve the people

4. Articles Articles 1-3, set up three branches of government
Legislative branch
Executive branch
Judicial branch
Article IV – relationship of the states to one another
Article V – how to amend the Constitution
Article VI – Supremacy Clause
Article VII – ratification of the Constitution by the states would make it law.

5. Amendments 1-10 – Bill of Rights
11-27 – allows the Constitution to respond to the needs of today’s citizens.

6. Principles of the Constitution
Objective: TLW will analyze the principles spelled out in the Constitution.
Standard:

7. 6 Concepts
Popular Sovereignty
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Limited Government

8. Three Branches of Government
TLW identify the basic powers of each branch of government.
Standard: 4.2 understand the role of constitutions in preventing abuses of government power.
4.6 understand the concept of federalism.

9. Legislative Branch Enumerated Powers
Expressed Powers were numbered 1-18 in Article I
Elastic Clause – “Necessary & Proper Clause”
Allows the Constitution to continue to meet the needs of future generations.
McCulloch v. Maryland – Supreme Court ruled in favor of a broad interpretation

10. The Executive Branch The Presidency Broad and Vague Powers
The Founders recognized the need for a strong executive to carry out the acts of Congress
Distrusted direct participation by the people
Can protect liberty, property and business
Check against the legislative branch
Broad and Vague Powers
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
Appoints heads of executive departments
Pardon criminals convicted of federal crimes
Makes treaties
Appoints ambassadors
State of the Union address
Head of State
Ensures laws are “faithfully executed”

11. The Judicial Branch Article III of the Constitution
Supreme Court and lower federal courts decided by Congress
Justices (9) serve for life
2 court systems
Federal courts whose powers are derived from the Constitution
State courts
Jurisdiction – or subject of the case determines which court will hear the case
Federal Courts hear cases involving US laws, treaties and interpretation of the Constitution, maritime law, bankruptcy
Judicial Review was spelled out in Marbury v. Madison
Allowed Supreme Court to balance the power of the other branches

12. Amending the Constitution