1. The Constitution of the United States of America The Convention and a Basic Introduction to Constitutional Principles

2. SWBAT 1)Describe the two compromises regarding the issue of slavery. 2)Describe and explain the role of each of the Three Branches of the US government. 3)Explain principles of Checks and Balances and give examples of how each branch is affected by the others. 4)Discuss how the Constitution a)Prevents a Tyranny b)Restrains a Mob

3. Articles of Confederation Insufficient Designed to prevent a national tyranny, but what about in a state?

4. Convention to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation Philadelphia Opens May 25, 1787 George Washington was elected to be President of the convention AoC unfixable, a new constitution needed Secret talks

5. Guiding Principles of the Convention Prevent a tyrant. Restrain the mob. Why are either bad?

6. Main Points to consider Fixing Currently – Strong States and a weak national government – No dedicated funding for national government Major disagreements at National level: – Representation – Slavery – its very existence

7. First Suggested Plan Virginia Plan (Big State Plan) Three Branches 1.Bicameral (Two House) Legislature Representation by population – Lower House elected by the people – Upper House to be elected by Lower House. Power to tax, regulate trade (commerce), make laws 2.Executive 3.Judiciary

8. Second Plan New Jersey Plan (Little State Plan) Three Branches – Unicameral (One House) Legislature – One vote each state Power to tax and regulate trade

9. Compare VA & NJ Plans

10. The Great Compromise Debate Impasse until compromise Legislature = Bicameral – House of Representatives: 1 Representative per 40,000 residents in each state – Senate: 2 Senators, elected by the state governments

11. Slavery How would slaves be represented? – Southern states – Northern states Southern States Ultimatum

12. 1 st Compromises over Slavery The Three-Fifths Compromise

13. 2 nd Compromises over Slavery Importation of slaves 1808

14. Memorizing the Preamble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXXpPF Rkdg&feature=related three year old http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXXpPF Rkdg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5d3haR G7M Barney Fife http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5d3haR G7M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMmPW TwTHc I am just a Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMmPW TwTHc

15. TCI Activity Working in groups of 2 or 3 students Given a – copy of the Constitution – 25 Questions – an Answer Matrix with some guidance, Write the answers to the questions onto the Matrix, making a statement of the Question/Answer in a complete sentence.

23. 1.1

24. 4. Reps Can IMPEACH President 9. Sen TRIES the President 8. Sen APPROVES treaties 12. OVERRIDE President’s veto. Controls the Budget 16. VETO bills 22. Can declare laws unconsitutional. Can IMPEACH Justices. Confirms Presidential appointments 25. Chief Justice presides over impeachment.. Cannot be fired for political reasons. Can declare Presidential Acts unconstitutional 18. Appoints Justices

25. Three Branches