Unit 7 Our Current Government

Unit 7 Our Current Government Name Date Period Learning Targets (What I need to know): I can describe the Constitutional Convention and two compromises that took place there. I can describe the structure of the US Constitution and can explain the purpose of, and what in contained in, each part of the document. I am able to name and describe the seven principles of US Government. I am able to describe the structure, powers, and duties of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. I can explain the debate between the Federalists and Antifederalists over the ratification of the Constitution. I can explain the purpose of the Bill of Rights and the rights it guarantees citizens. I can describe how the Constitution can adapt to changing times. I can explain the concept of federalism and describe the powers of the federal government, states, and those they share. I am able to describe, in detail, the process of electing the president and how it differs from the election of other representatives. I am able to define who is considered a citizen of the US, and describe the powers and duties of US citizens. Unit 7 Table of Contents and Grading Rubric: Vocabulary (pg 2 4) /12 U.S. Government - HW (pg. 5) /5 Notes I (pg. 6-7) /5 The Great Compromise-HW (pg. 8) /5 Notes II (pg. 9) /5 Which Part is Which - HW (pg. 10) /5 Preamble Project (pg. 11) /30 Notes III - Part A (pg. 12) /5 Notes III Part B (pg. 13) /5 SoP&C&B/Bills HW (pg. 14-15) /5 Notes III Part C (pg. 16) /5 Federalism Chart (pg. 17) /15 Notes IV (pg. 18) /5 Ratification HW (pg. 19) /5 Notes V (pg. 20) /5 Know Your Rights - HW (pg. 21-22) /5 Notes VI (pg. 23) /5 Notes VII (pg. 24) /5 Notes VIII (pg. 25) /5 Branches Review (pg. 26) /10 Review Sheet (pg. 27-28) ------/-- Date Bellwork Answer(s) Score for Unit 7: /147 = % 1

Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics Unit 1vocabulary compromise ratify/ ratification Examples Picture Examples Picture Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics separation of powers checks and balances Examples Picture Examples Picture 2

Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics bill veto Examples Picture Examples Picture Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics override judicial review Examples Picture Examples Picture 3

Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics Federalism (federal system) amendments Examples Picture Examples Picture Definition Characteristics Definition Characteristics impeach Bill of Rights Examples Picture 4 Examples Picture

U.S. Government #1 While the U.S. Constitution outlines the form and function of America s government, it was not the nation s first plan. The Articles of Confederation, written in 1776 soon after the Declaration of Independence was signed, created the first government. The Articles of Confederation became the first constitution in 1781 when it was ratified by the last of the thirteen colonies. Because of its authors fears of a strong central government, the document gave most powers to the states and strictly limited those of the federal government. Instead of forming a strong government to cement the new states together, the Articles of Confederation instead established a firm league of friendship among them. The government under the Articles of Confederation served to hold the states together long enough to fight the Revolution. Afterward, it became clear that changes were needed, but the Articles of Confederation didn t include an amendment process. The Founding Fathers saw that a new, stronger, government was necessary, so the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 to draft a new plan, which was put into effect in 1789. 1. Based on the reading, a confederation could best be described as a A. strong government. C. collection of states. B. war for independence. D. group of friends. 2. The Articles of Confederation were the A. foundation of America s government. B. first constitution of the United States. C. plan for a strong central government. D. declaration of American independence. 3. When did the Articles of Confederation go into effect? A. 1776 B. 1781 C. 1787 D. 1789 4. Which definition BEST FITS the use of the word amendment in the last paragraph? A. to correct or alter C. formal change to the document B. to change for the better D. a change or addition to a bill 5. What was the major weakness in the Articles of Confederation that the Constitution of the United States sought to correct? 5 /5

I Constitutional Convention 1. Where: 2. When: 3. Who: Educated, white men including Benjamin Franklin, (primary author), (President of Convention) 4. Who was NOT represented?, African Americans (both free and slave), Native Americans, poor whites, etc. 5. Why: All 13 states had to meet in order to make changes or rewrite the document. 6. What: 7. Everything kept secret. Why? No outside influences from people not involved; try to prevent bribery and persuasion. 8. There were many questions about how the government should be run and between the states over how should be divided. 9. The Constitution is sometimes called a of because the framers of the Constitution had to compromise in order to come up with a document the states would ratify. 10. One major compromise was the. At the Constitutional Convention, states with large populations and states with small populations disagreed over how they should be in Congress. Large states favored the Plan: Representation would be based on the population of the state the larger the state, the more representatives, and therefore the more votes, and therefore more power. Small states favored the Plan: Equal representation in Congress every state gets one vote, therefore all states have equal power regardless of size. 6

The result was the : Congress would be bicameral ( -houses): : 2 senators per state/ 100 total senators (all states are equal) : # per state based on the population of the state / 435 total members(large states more powerful) 11. Another compromise was the Southern states and Northern states also disagreed over whether or not states should be allowed to count slaves as part of the population for purposes of representation in Congress. states said YES, because that would mean more representatives for them in Congress and therefore more votes states said NO but slaves should be counted for taxes. Compromise: 3/5 s of the slave population would be counted for tax and population (1 slave = 3/5 of a person, or 5 slaves = people) Also agreed that the African would end in 1808 (no NEW slaves brought in from Africa; did NOT end all slavery) Hey! What s the BIG IDEA? In order to create a document the states would ratify, members of the Constitutional Convention had to reach a series of compromises. George Washington 7

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II Structure of the Constitution of the United States of America A. The Constitution of the United States of America is divided into three parts: 1. - Introduction. Explains why the document was written. of the United States, in order to, establish ensure domestic, provide for the, promote the general, and secure the to and our, do and this Constitution for the United States of America. Purpose: : improve our government, provide justice, ensure peace at home, provide protection, protect our well-being, and ensure freedom for ourselves and future generations. 3. : Body. There are. Explains the structure and powers of the government. Article 1 - Describes the Branch Article 2 Describes the Branch Article 3 Describes the Branch Article 4 The States: All states must have a form of government. States must honor each others laws, records, and court decisions. A person cannot escape to another state to avoid legal obligations. Article 5 Amendment Process An amendment can be added to the Constitution if of the states ratify it. Article 6 National Supremacy/Supremacy Clause: When a state law and a federal law disagree, the law will override the law. Article 7 Ratification: out of 13 states must ratify the Constitution for it to become law. 4. Amendments:,, or to the original document. Includes the (first 10 amendments) which protects citizens individual freedoms. James Madison Father of the Constitution Hey! What s the BIG IDEA? The Constitution has three main parts: The Preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments (including the Bill of Rights). 9

Which Part is Which? Directions: Each of these boxes describes one of the parts of the Constitution. Read each description, and then write the part of the Constitution that matches the description. Choices: Preamble Articles Amendments Bill of Rights These change the Constitution More can be added to the Constitution Made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution Describes the powers and duties of the three branches of government Explains the reasons for writing the Constitution Describes the powers of the states and the procedure for amending the Constitution The final section of the Constitution In the beginning, some states insisted this be added to the Constitution if they were to ratify it The main body of the Constitution Only 52 words long We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Provide protection for citizens basic rights and freedoms The introduction to the Constitution Presently there are 27 10 /5

The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America We the People of the United States, In order to form a more perfect union Establish justice Ensure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare And secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity Do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. /30 11

III Seven Principles of the Constitution Part A PROBLEM: The States have too much power! SOLUTION: Give more power to the federal government!! BUT WAIT!!! We don t want another King!!! SO We will use these seven basic principles to limit the power of the federal government: 1. Popular Sovereignty In the United States the people hold the power ( We the people ) We exercise our power by voting ( ). 2. Republicanism People exercise their power by electing representatives to vote on issues on their behalf ( ). Framers wanted people to have a voice in government, but worried that they couldn t be trusted to make good decisions ( people vote on issues directly.) 3. Separation of Powers To prevent any one person or group from having too much power, power was divided between branches of government. They are explained in Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution. They are: Branch Members How Many Main Job Legislative Executive Judicial 12

III Seven Principles of the Constitution Part B 4. Checks and Balances Each branch has certain jobs. The branches perform checks on each other to prevent any one branch from gaining too much. Checks and Balances is most often applied when new laws are introduced: 1. The legislative branch proposes an idea for a new law (called a ) which must be approved by both houses. 2. The bill then goes to the President. He can sign it and make it law, or, if he doesn t approve of it, he can it and it goes back to Congress. 3. Congress may review the law and vote on it again. If 2/3 s of Congress approve the bill, it becomes a law anyway. (called an ) 4. After the bill becomes a law the Supreme Court can declare a law (called Judicial Review, established by the case of ) 13

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances 1. What are two checks the legislative branch performs on the executive branch? 2. Who can veto legislation passed by Congress? 3. Which branch has the power to impeach the President and Supreme Court justices? 4. Who can declare laws unconstitutional? 5. Who negotiates treaties? How is this power limited by the system of checks and balances? 6. What is the purpose of checks and balances? 14

How a Bill Becomes a Law 1. The bill is introduced in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. Bills to raise money for the government must start in the House of Representatives. 2. The Bill is then sent to committee for discussion, changes, and vote. 3. If the bill is approved by committee, it is presented to all members of the first house. It is discussed, changed, and voted upon. If passed by a majority (more than half the members voting), the bill is sent to the other house. 4. The whole process then begins again in the other house committee and vote. If the majority of the second house favor the bill, it goes to the President. 5. If the two houses of Congress passed bills that are not exactly the same, the bill is sent to a special committee made up of members of both houses to work out the differences. Then the final bill goes back to both houses for vote. If the bill wins, it goes to the president. 6. The president has 10 days to study the bill. (a) if the president signs the bill, it becomes law. (b) If the president does nothing about the bill, it becomes law after 10 days. (c) The president can veto, or refuse to sign, the bill. If that is done, the president must send a message to Congress explaining why he vetoed the bill. 7. Congress may accept the veto. In that case the bill does not become law. But Congress may wish to pass the bill over the veto. Another vote may be taken. If 2/3 of members of each house vote for the bill, it becomes law regardless of the president s veto. This is called an override. Directions: Study the diagram of how a bill becomes a law above. Then answer the questions that follow. 1) Where is a bill first proposed? 2) After the house that first proposed the bill approves it, where does it go? 3) After both houses approve the bill where does it go? 4) What happens if the two houses do not agree? 5) What are the two ways the president can make a bill law? 6) What can Congress do if the President vetoes the bill? 15 /5

III Seven Principles of the Constitution Part C 5. Federalism and governments power. This system prevents the federal government from having too much and too many responsibilities to handle. Smaller things are more easily and more quickly, handled at a local level. powers belong to the federal (national) government powers belong to the state government powers are those that belong to both the federal and state governments ( powers) For Example: Federal (delegated) Shared (concurrent) State (reserved) Declare War taxes schools Coin money courts marriage laws Foreign policy maintain law and order driver s licenses 6. Limited Government Limits the power of government/ government officials must follow the law regular people AND government officials. 7. Individual Rights Personal rights, freedoms and privileges. Guaranteed by the to all citizens. Hey! What s the Big Idea? Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Federalism, Limited Government, and Individual Rights prevent any one person or group of people from becoming too powerful. President Donald Trump /5 16

Federalism (The Federal System) /15 Reserved Powers: Delegated Powers: State Governments Concurrent Powers: Shared by Federal Federal Government government and the State 17

IV Ratification A. After the Constitution was written by the Founding Fathers, the document went to the states to be ratified. B. According to Article of the Constitution, of the 13 states had to the document. C. Antifederalists 1. Felt the Constitution gave too much power to the government, which threatened. 2. Some wanted a to be added. 3. Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, and George Clinton D. Federalists 1. Felt the Constitution had a good balance of power between the and governments. 2. George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay E. Federalist Papers 1. Who: 2. Why: F. Ratification 1. Each state held a convention to decide whether or not to adopt the Constitution. 2. Needed states to sign to become law 3. Went into effect 4. Some states, such as New York, only signed it after it was agreed that a would be added. Hey! What s the BIG IDEA? Antifederalists did not want to ratify the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms. Benjamin Franklin /5 18

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V Bill of Rights A. Who wrote it?: B. What was it?: The Bill of Rights is made up of the first to the Constitution and is meant to protect the individual freedoms of citizens of the US C. Why was it added?: D. Ratified by the states in December 1791. E. Most cases that go before the Supreme Court deal with the protection of individual freedoms (particularly the Amendment). F. Bill of Rights: 1. Freedom of,,,, and. (The Five Freedoms) 2. Right to Bear Arms: 3. Housing of soldiers: No soldier will stay in a private home EVER without permission from the owner (response to ) 4. Search and Arrest : no official may search you or your property without a warrant and/or just cause. 5. Rights of the Accused: grand jury indictment, no (can t be tried twice for the same crime), can t be forced to be a witness against yourself ( I plead the 5 th ), can t be convicted of a crime without a (due process). 6. Criminal Trials: right to a, trial, an impartial ( ) jury, be told why you are on trial, be confronted by witnesses and obtain witnesses, have a lawyer. 7. Civil Trials: (When one person sues another) Trial by in cases involving over $20. 8. Bail, Fines, and Punishment: No bail or fines, no or punishment. 9. Rights retained by the people you have other rights that are not listed in the Bill of Rights. 10. Powers not given to the US government or prohibited to the states are retained by the states. (Federalism) Hey! What s the BIG IDEA? Chief Justice John G. Roberts The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and was added to make sure the government could not take away personal freedoms. 20 /5

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VI Changing Constitution 1. The framers knew they couldn t make a document that was inflexible and expect it to survive, so they built in ways to change or stretch the Constitution. 2. : Changes or additions to the Constitution. Must be approved by ¾ s of the states before they can be added to the Constitution. Important amendments include: 1-10: of 13. (1865) Made illegal. 14. (1868) Granted former slaves ; guaranteed equal treatment under the law. 15. (1869) Gave African American men the right to vote ( ) 16. (1913) Allows for collection of federal 18. (1919) - production and sale of alcohol illegal. 19. (1920) Women s 20. (1933) Changes the date of Presidential to January 20 th. 21. (1933) Prohibition. 22. (1951) Limits the President to terms in office. 24. (1964) No tax to prevent people from voting. 26. (1971) Lowers the voting age to. 3. : Located in Article I of the Constitution, it allows Congress to stretch its powers to include things the founding fathers couldn t have foreseen. It states that Congress can make any laws and to the function of US government. Hey! What s the BIG IDEA? Amendments are additions, changes, and corrections to the Constitution. /5 23

VII Electing a President 1. Each political party selects a candidate to run in the election. Members of each party vote in a election to choose ONE candidate to represent their party and run in the election. (Think elimination round ) 2. The candidates by traveling around the country, meeting people, giving speeches about their (position on different issues), and debating other candidates. 3. People vote ( vote) for the candidate that most closely shares their point of view. 4. After the popular vote is counted, the meets and casts their votes for whoever won the popular vote in the state they represent. ( vote) Each state has the same number of electors as they have members of Congress. 5. The candidate who wins the vote wins the election. A candidate can lose the popular vote and still win the election if they get the magic number of electoral votes ( ) by winning states with large populations. *Remember Winner takes all! (ex: George W. Bush in 2000) 6. The President-elect is then (sworn in) as President. Pres. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Hey! What s the Hey! Big What s Idea? the Big 24 The President is elected using both the popular vote and the electoral /5 vote.

VIII Citizenship 1. You are a citizen if: You were born in the Your mother OR your father is a US You go through a process of or you are under 18 and your parent(s) is/are naturalized. 2. Citizens reach voting age at. 3. Being a citizen of the U.S. gives you important rights. But, in some ways, even more important are the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. The of citizenship include the things that the law requires of you as a citizen. The of citizenship are not required by law, but good citizens fulfill them anyway. My Duties as a Citizen My Responsibilities as a Citizen Hey! What s the Big idea? American citizenship involves great privileges and serious responsibilities. New Citizens Taking the Oath of Allegiance /5 25

Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Who s in it? How did they get the job? Where do they work? What is the main job? Other powers or duties 26 /10

Unit 8: Our Current Government Review Sheet Vocabulary Great Compromise Three-fifths Compromise Bicameral Legislature Preamble Articles Amendments Popular sovereignty Republicanism Separation of Powers Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Checks and Balances Bill Veto Override Judicial Review Impeach/impeachment Limited Government Federalism Elastic Clause Cabinet Antifederalists Federalists Federalist Papers Bill of Rights Primary Election Popular Vote Platform 27

Campaign Electoral College Inauguration Topics to study: What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention? Who was AND was not represented at the Constitutional Convention? Why was everything at the Constitutional Convention kept secret? What is the purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution? How do people exercise their power in a Republic? What are the three branches, who makes up each, and what do they do? What is the Legislative Branch of the US called? What are two houses called? How many Senators per state? What is the total number of Senators? How is the number of Representatives per state decided? What is the total number of Representatives? How many years is the President s term? How many terms can he/she serve? What are the requirements for someone to become the President? Who takes over if the president dies or is removed? Who appoints Supreme Court Justices and how long do they serve? Why were Antifederalists against ratifying the Constitution? What did some states want added before they would ratify the Constitution? Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? What are the 5 freedoms in the First Amendment? Name at least three other rights granted in the Bill of Rights (besides those in the 1 st amendment). Give two examples of delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers. (Federalism) Describe how we elect the president. What is a Citizen? How does one become a citizen if not born here? At what age can a citizen vote in an election? What are the duties and responsibilities of a citizen? 28