preamble (introduction) lists six goals for the government 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 posterity.
Principle Popular Sovereignty Republicanism Explanation People are the source of the government s power People elect their political representatives Limited Government Federalism Separation of Powers Constitution limits the actions of government by listing its powers Power is divided between national and state governments Enumerated, reserve, concurrent Three branches of government Checks and Balances Each branch has some control over the others Individual Rights Basic liberties and rights guaranteed amendments to the Constitution
a living document that can be altered, amended, and changed to meet the needs of the country can be interpreted in different ways flexible to allow the government to deal with matters never anticipated by the Founding Fathers Amendments on 27 made since 1788 Very difficult to amend
Elastic Clause allows Congress to make laws needed for the country Commerce Clause used to regulate industry President s powers in general terms has allowed the President to expand power Judicial review right of the courts to determine if a law violates the Constitution
makes laws can tax House of Representatives 435 members determined by population 25 years old + 2 year terms Senate 100 members two members from each state 30 years old + 6 year terms terms are staggered (every two years 1/3 up for election
Role of Congress make laws and control government spending Government can t spend money unless Congress appropriates it All tax spending bills must originate in the House and gain approval by both the House & Senate before the President signs it can impeach can federal official (including the President) Senate acts a court and tries the official Only the Senate can ratify treaties and confirm presidential appointments
Congress at Work Thousands of BILLS introduced by Congress each year that are reviewed by committees many different types of committees that can include both House and Senate members committees decide whether a bill is brought to either house of Congress for debate/approval Once a bill is approved by both houses, The bill goes to the President. If signed, it becomes a law. The President can VETO the bill. Congress can override a Presidential veto with a 2/3 vote
includes the President, Vice President, executive offices, departments, agencies of the President carries out the laws that Congress passes Chief Executive, Diplomat, Commander in Chief, Chief of State, Legislative Leader President relies heavily on 14 executive departments, each responsible for a different area of government Makes up the President s CABINET
Judicial Branch=interprets laws Supreme Court= top of American legal system Lower Federal Courts (District, Appeals) District consider cases that come under federal laws (91 District courts) Appeals Reviews district court decisions (14 Appeals courts)
nine justices Chief Justice and eight associate justices Presidential nomination; Senate approval main job is to hear and rule on cases appealed from Appeals Court (do not hear ALL cases) Court s opinion=ruling Judicial Review can overturn a law
the right to be protected from the government Due Process government must follow procedures established by law and guaranteed by the Constitution the right to equal treatment under the law 14 th Amendment=equal protection under the law no matter race, religion, political beliefs basic freedoms (speech, religion, press, assembly, petition) 1 st Amendment Government CAN establish laws or rules to restrict rights to protect others
Citizen Participation citizen= anyone born in U.S., a child born outside of U.S. if at least one parent is citizen, or naturalization citizens expected to carry our certain duties and responsibilities Duties=laws obey the law, pay taxes, defend the nation, serve on a jury Responsibilities=should do (voluntary) knowing your rights, being informed, voting, participate in government, volunteering, respect the rights of others