1. Principles of the Constitution

2. Objectives
Analyze the philosophy behind the Preamble of the Constitution
Explain the three basic principles of the U.S. Constitution

3. Preamble
We the people, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves and our Posterity,do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America
Preamble

4. Basic Principles 1. Federalism (p. 72)
power divided between the central government and the states
Power derived from the citizens
Article 4 (Supremacy Clause)
How did the Framers deal with the concern of those who feared a strong central government impinging on people’s rights?
10th amendment gave powers not explicitly directed to the central government to the individual States

5. Supremacy Clause

6. Basic Principles cont. 2. Separation of Powers (p. 51)
“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,”
3 branches of government
Separately staffed
Equal under the constitution and independent of each other
Q. How are the three branches interconnected?

7. Separation of powers cont.
Law-making
Legislative Branch highlights
Directly represent the people (House, Senate)
Impeachment
Override presidential veto
Federal Budget
Approves presidential appointments

8. Separation cont. Law-enforcing Executive Branch Carries out laws
Approve or veto
Submit legislation
Nominated Supreme court and federal judges
Commander in Chief

9. Separation cont. Law-interpreting Judicial Branch
Invalidate laws (Constitution)
Invalidate executive orders (Constitution)

10. How are the 3 branches interconnected?
A. Law-making, law-enforcing, law-interpreting

11. Basic principles cont. 3. Checks and Balances
Identify the checks and balances within the system. (p51)
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

12. Objectives revisited
Analyze the philosophy behind the Preamble of the Constitution
Explain the three basic principles of the U.S. Constitution