1. Judicial Branch Page 15 Why did the cat go to Minnesota? To get a mini soda!

2. Standard Ce.6a Essential Understandings: The Constitution of the United States defines the structure and powers of the national government. The powers held by government are divided between the national government in Washington, DC, and the governments of the 50 states. Essential Questions: What is the structure of the national government as set out in the US Constitution? What are the powers of the national government? Vocabulary: judicial branch, U.S. Supreme Court

4. Which early American document guaranteed rights of British citizens to the colonists?

5. Which fundamental principle of government means that we elect people to represent us?

6. Which purpose of government according to the Preamble to the Constitution is illustrated here?

7. Who may propose amendments to the Virginia Constitution?

8. Who must ratify amendment s to the US Constitution ?

9. What document would you look at if you wanted to see the current structure of the U.S. government?

10. What was the first written plan for the U.S. government but was too weak to last?

11. What part of the U.S. Constitution lists the purposes and goals of the government?

12. Which purpose of government according to the Preamble is illustrated here?

13. Which fundament al principle is illustrated here?

14. Channel One Break

16. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.

17. The Supreme Court exercises the power of judicial review. This means that they can declare a law or a governmental action unconstitutional.

18. The federal courts try cases involving federal law and questions involving interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Why do we need someone to interpret the U.S. Constitution?

19. On the left side of your notes, draw a tree with three branches. Label each branch. Hang three things from each branch that list characteristics of that branch that you have learned so far. You will watch a video while you do this.

22. Homework: Three Branches Worksheet