1. U.S. Constitution
Creating a
Constitution
Video
Annenberg Classroom

2. Contents of the U.S. Constitution
The Preamble
Article 1: The Congress (Senate and House of Rep)
Article 2: The Executive (President)
Article 3: The Judiciary (Supreme Ct. and Lower Cts.)
Article 4: The States
Article 5: Process to Amend the Constitution
Article 6: Constitution is Supreme Law of the Land
Article 7: Process to Ratify this Constitution
Amendments 1-10 (Bill of Rights)
Amendments 11-27
10 Pages
27 Amendments
in 224 Years
Read the Constitution

3. Executive Departments
The U.S. Government Organization
House Committees
Agriculture
Appropriations
Armed Services
Budget
EducationEnergy
Finance
Health
Homeland Security
Jidiciary
Nat. Resources
Science
Small Business
Transportation
Veterans Affairs
Etc.
Senate Committees
Agriculture
Appropriations
Armed Services
Budget
EducationEnergy
Banking
Health
Homeland Security
Jidiciary
Nat. Resources
Science
Commerce
Transportation
Veterans Affairs
Etc.
Executive Departments
State Dept.
Treasury Dept.
Defense Dept.
Justice Dept.
Interior Dept.
Agriculture Dept.
Labor Dept.
Health Dept.
Housing Dept.
Education Dept.
Homeland Security Dept.
Veterans Affairs Dept.
Lower Federal Courts
Circuit Courts (12)
District Courts (94)

4. is built into the structure.
A system of
Checks & Balances
is built into the structure.

5. Native Americans in the Original US Constitution
Indian Tribes were ‘independent, sovereign nations’ before Europeans arrives, and they still were after the United States was created.

6. Slavery
Numeration Clause (Art 1, Sec 2) counted slaves as 3/5 of a person.
Importation Clause (Art 1, Sec 9) said importing slaves could not be prohibited prior to 1808
Fugitive Slave Clause (Art 4, Sec 2) said escaped slaves captured in a non-slave state must be returned to the slave owner

7. Voting Rights left up to each state
Most States
In the first presidential election of 1789, an average of 6% of the people were eligible to cast a vote.
Who Could Vote?
Citizen
White
Male 21
Property Owner

8. Naturalization Act of 1790 Who Could Become a US Citizen?

9. The Essential Elements
of Democracy
Just One View
How did the
original
US Constitution measure up to
these criteria ?

10. The Original US Constitution Components of Democracy
“We the People…” (made a bold philosophical statement)
Established a constitutional, representative, democratic form of government
Entitled some people to vote for their representatives
Created a system for holding representatives accountable
Separated and placed checks on the government’s exercise of power
Read the Constitution

11. The Original US Constitution Limitations on Democracy
Document debated and written by elite white males
Allowed and supported the practice of slavery
Senators selected by state legislatures, not directly by the people
President selected by Electoral College, not directly by the people
Judges selected by President & Senate, not directly by the people
Voting rights limited to white, male property owners / taxpayers
Provided little protection for minorities from the will of the majority
Made no provisions for publicly-funded, mass education
Read the Constitution

12. Almost immediately…Amendments 1-10…in 1791 Bill of Rights
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition
Right of people to bear arms
Soldiers shall not be quartered in private homes
Right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, etc., and against unreasonable searches
Right to notice of charges, protection from double jeopardy, testifying against oneself, and punishment without due process of law
Right to speedy trial by jury, to confront witnesses, to counsel
Right to trial by jury
Protection against excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishment
These stated rights do not mean that people could not have other rights, as well
Powers not given to the US in the Constitution are reserved for the States

13. How have changes or amendments to the U. S
How have changes or amendments to the U.S. Constitution Impacted Democracy ?
Have amendments to the US Constitution restricted or expanded democracy?
Amendments 11-27

14. Constitutional Amendments 11-27
11. Clearly defines original jurisdiction of Supreme Court (1795)
Electoral College for selecting President / VicePresident (1804)
Abolished slavery (1865)
Established citizenship, representation, and loyalty (1868)
Gave suffrage to all males of age, regardless of race (1870)
Established Federal Income Tax system (1913)
Established popular vote for Senators (1913)
Prohibition (1919)
19. Gave women right to vote (1920)
Terms of office for Legislature, Presidential succession (1933)
Ended Prohibition (1933)
Terms limits for President (1951)
Gave D.C. electoral votes (1961)
Ended poll taxes (1964)
Further clarifies Presidential succession (1967)
Gave right to vote to all citizens 18 years of age, and older (1971)
Legislators cannot give themselves pay raises in an election year (1992)

15. How have changes or amendments to the U. S
How have changes or amendments to the U.S. Constitution Impacted Democracy ?
Have amendments to the US Constitution restricted or expanded democracy?
Amendments 11-27