American History I Unit 2 Confederation, Constitution, and Compromise Structure of the Constitution Journal: What document created our government before the Constitution? Why did we change it? Remember: we write to make our thinking visible!
Section 1: the Preamble Preamble: statement of purpose of the Constitution We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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. Which part do you think is the most important? Why? Which part do you not understand?
6 Principles (Main Ideas) Popular sovereignty: the people have the power Rule of law: laws apply to everyone, even members of the government Separation of powers: dividing power of government Which enlightenment philosopher thought of this? Montesqueiu
6 Principles (Main Ideas) Checks & balances: each branch is able to check, or limit, the power of other branches Federalism: sharing power between the national & state governments Natural & Civil Rights: people have certain rights that cannot be taken away Which enlightenment philosopher thought of this? Locke
Section 2: Articles Article I: outlines the legislative branch Members: bicameral [2 house] Congress: Senate and House of Representatives Powers: to make laws, collect taxes, and declare war. The Capitol building where legislators debate and vote for bills
North Carolina Members Senator Kay Hagan (democrat) **Senator Richard Burr (republican) **Representati ve Brad Miller (democrat district 13) Mrs. Jolley with Senator Kay Hagan **running for reelection this year November 2010
Article II: outlines the executive branch Powers: to enforce laws, sign or veto bills from Congress, and command the army The White House: President s office and residence
Members of Executive Branch President Barack Obama Vice President Joe Biden President s cabinet (group of advisors)
Articles III: outlines the judicial branch Members: Supreme Court & federal courts Powers: to interpret the laws, apply them fairly, and protect your rights Supreme Court building in Washington, DC
Other Articles Articles IV: explains the relationship between the state and national government Article V: describes how to amend (change) the Constitution Article VI: lists other federal powers Article VII: explains the ratification (approval) process
Federalism Supremacy clause: (included in Article VI), states that the Constitution is superior, and the national government cannot dishonor it. Also makes the national (federal) government superior to the state government The Capitol building on Inauguration Day 2008
Section 3: The Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Declaration of Independence already secured natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Who thought of these rights? The Bill of Rights secured civil rights like trial by jury, freedom of religion, and protection against cruel & unusual punishment. Where have we seen these rights before?
Extension Remediation Please choose 1 activity. If you understood the material today, complete 1 extension activity. If you feel confused about the material, please choose 1 remediation activity. EXTENSION (choose one): explain in 5-6 sentences Should the state or national governments have more power? Why? What qualifications do you think a president should have that are not on the list? Should interpretation of the Constitution change over time (with current events, new inventions (the Internet), etc)? Why or why not? REMEDIATION (choose one): Choose one branch that confuses you. Read in the coach book and write a 5-6 sentence summary of the branch. Legislative p47-48; Executive p49-50; Judicial p50-51
Constitution Activities 1. Create a chart outlining the 3 branches of government like the one below: Which article outlines this branch? Who are members of the branch? What 3 powers does the branch have? Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch 2. Using the list of the 10 Amendments, draw a picture that represents the rights given to you by each amendment.