1. The Constitution

2. Article I Creates the Legislative branch, the power to make laws
Congress made up of two houses: Senate and The House of Representatives
They represent the people who vote them into office
Elastic Clause: Gives Congress flexibility to do its job
Has allowed Congress to do many things not listed in the Constitution

3. How a Law is Made A bill (idea for new law) is introduced
Both houses approve it
President signs it into law
OR….
President vetoes it
2/3 majority of both houses vote to overrule the President
Bill becomes a law

4. Article II Creates the Executive branch, who carry out the laws
Example: Congress approves new tax, someone has to collect it
Head of the department is the President
Serves for 4 years and two terms (at the most)
Has several departments to help in carrying out the laws
Example: Justice Department helps in law enforcement
Gives Congress the power to impeach (formally accuse) the President or other officials if they commit crimes
The House votes to impeach, the Senate puts him on trial

5. Article III Creates the Judicial branch, which interprets the laws
Supreme Court is the highest court and only deals with federal laws
Supreme Court decisions are final
Federal law case is heard in a district court
Can appeal (review case) the decision in an appellate court
Supreme Court reviews the decision of an appellate court

6. Articles IV-VII
Article IV: States can create their own laws, but have certain responsibilities to each other
Article V: Describes how an amendment (change or addition) is added to the Constitution
Article VI: Although the national government shares powers with the states (federalism), the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land”
Article VII: 9 out 13 states had to approve of the Constitution before it went into effect

7. Check and Balances
To prevent one branch of government from being too powerful, this system was developed to allow each branch to limit the other two branches

8. Participation in Government
Most people participate through elections
People influence their representatives or they wont get reelected
Constitution was not specific on who could vote
Many years before ALL citizens had the right to vote
Political parties not part of the Constitution, but they are ones who select the candidates for office nowadays

9. Things to Study Why the Articles of Confederation failed
Why did Shays’ Rebellion happen
The problems talked about during the Constitutional Convention
What the Electoral College does
Know the three branches of government and some of the powers each branch has
Know the terms federalism, checks and balances, and representatives
How a bill becomes a law
What is Congress and the two houses that make it