1. New Unit: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

2. FEDERALISM The division of powers between States and national Gov’t.
Federal: focuses on issues of country as a whole. Also acts as Supreme Law of the Land.
States: focuses on issues of that state alone.
*States are granted all powers NOT granted to Fed

3. SEPARATION OF POWERS Have a 3 branch Gov’t
This prevents the abuse of power by 1 group or person. (at least it should as long as one party doesn’t take over all branches)

4. 5) CHECKS & BALANCES
Each branch of Gov’t has some way to check or control the other 2 branches power.
Examples: Pres. can veto bill from congress. Congress can over ride his veto with 2/3 vote.

5. CHECKS & BALANCES OF CONGRESS
POWER
1) Can pass bills.
2) Appropriates $.
CHECK ON POWER
President can veto bills.
Supreme Court can rule a bill unconstitutional.

6. CHECKS & BALANCES OF THE PRESIDENT
POWER
Commander in chief of military.
Makes treaties
Veto bills
CHECKS ON POWER
Only congress can declare war.
Congress must ratify treaties.
Congress can override veto by 2/3 vote.
Sup. Ct. can declare act unconstitutional.

7. CHECKS & BALANCES OF THE SUPREME COURT
POWER
Life long term.
Interpret the Constitution.
Can declare laws unconstitutional.
CHECKS ON POWER
Congress can remove a judge.
Congress can create an amendment to the Const.

8. III. THE CONSTITUTION: A LIVING DOCUMENT
What do you think is meant by a “living document?”

9. A) HOW ARE AMENDMENTS ADDED
Amendment: a formal written change to the Constitution.
This is designed to be difficult & lengthy in order to prevent a lot of ill thought out Amendments.

10. About Amendments
Amendments protect the rights you have since BIRTH. They do NOT grant rights.
Amendments also reflect change in our society. examples: End slavery. Voting for Women, African Americans, American Indians. Prohibition and its repeal.

11. The Constitution today.
The framers had the foresight to give the Const. the ability to adapt to change in the future

12. How did they do this?
Elastic Clause: power to make laws that are “necessary & proper” for the countries well being.
Elastic Clause stretches out power.
examples: Post office. Nat Bank, *some feel health care should be included.

13. Commerce Clause: Regulates trade with states and other countries.
* Example: T.V. goes between states. Electricity. Airlines. Waterways.

14. IV. OUR GOVERNMENT & THE BALANCE OF POWER
Our government is a 3 branch system, each with their own powers and responsibilities.
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

15. A. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Also called Congress
House of Reps: has 435 members based on population
Senate: 100 members (2 per state)

16. Congress has 4 major powers
Introduce Bills: Bills are new laws
Appropriate $ for Bill: Example- military budget, highways, disaster relief
Appropriate: Setting aside $ for a specific purpose.

17. Example: Presidents Nixon and Clinton.
Committees: due to so many bills, committees become experts who study and make recommendations about a bill.
*Joint Committee: These Committees have members in both the House & Senate.
Impeach: Power to bring formal charges of wrongdoing against a federal official.
Example: Presidents Nixon and Clinton.
These JOINT committees are very important because both house and senate need to agree in order to send a bill to the President

18. How Does a BILL become a Law
Watch the video and list the steps that are taken in order for a Bill to become a law.

19. EXECUTIVE BRANCH (President)
POWERS
Carry out Nations laws
Direct foreign policy
Suggests new laws or publicly objects to bills
Symbol of our Nation

20. Who helps the President?
Cabinet: Group of close advisors. There are 14 members who are heads of departments.
Example: Sec of Defense, Sec of Treasury, Sec of State, Sec of Homeland Security

21. C. JUDICIAL BRANCH (The Courts)
Cases start in a lower court, then can be APPEALED: asking a case to be reviewed by a higher court.
Eventually cases may reach the Supreme Court if test Constitution

22. TERMS
POCKET VETO: Bill gets sent to Pres from Congress and Pres doesn’t act on it. If congress adjourns with in 10 days the bill dies.

23. Due Process of law: (AM5) An accused person is entitled to a fair hearing or trial.
Double Jeopardy: (AM5) A person can not be tried twice for the same crime.