Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 1
Introduction six main principles on which the Constitution is based Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Judicial Review Federalism Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 2
Outline of the Constitution The Constitution is simple and brief. The seven articles are followed by the 27 amendments. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 3
Popular Sovereignty people are the only source for all governmental power. The government rules through leaders elected by the people to represent the people. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 4
Limited Government Government may only do those things the people have given it the power to do. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 5
Separation of Powers divides power among the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Separation of powers keeps a strong central government from being too powerful Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 6
Checks and Balances Each branch of the federal government can check the power of the other two. The use of checks is fairly rare. Compromise is more common Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 7
Judicial Review The Courts can decide if a government action is constitutional. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 9
Federalism Federalism is a compromise between an allpowerful central government and an independent state government. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 10
Federalism, cont. The Constitution divides power among the State and Federal Governments. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 11
Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 2
Changing with the Times The amendment process allows the Constitution to adapt to the changing needs of our nation and society. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 13
The Amendment Process Article V of the Constitution describes the amendment process. Amendments may be proposed: By a two-thirds vote of each house of Congress. By a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 14
The Amendment Process, cont. Amendments can be ratified: By three-fourths of the state legislatures. By conventions in three-fourths of the states. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 15
Federalism Amendments are proposed at the national level and ratified at the state level by legislatures or conventions. A state can reject an amendment and later decide to ratify it. But a state cannot change its mind after it votes to ratify an amendment. The President cannot veto proposed amendments. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 16
Popular Sovereignty The amendment process is based on popular sovereignty. The people elect the representatives who vote to propose or ratify amendments. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 17
The Bill of Rights They spell out many basic rights and liberties. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 18
The 27 Amendments Many of the 27 current amendments were proposed in response to legal disputes, social conflicts, or perceived constitutional problems. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 19
Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 3
The Role of Congress Congress has expanded upon basic constitutional provisions. Congress created much of the specific structure of the federal government. Congress established the federal court system the Constitution created only the Supreme Court. Congress created the many departments and agencies in the executive branch. Congress has clarified issues such as the succession of the Vice President. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 21
Powers of Congress Congress passes laws that clarify its own constitutional powers. The Constitution describes some congressional powers in vague terms. For example, Congress has the power to regulate foreign trade and interstate commerce. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 22
Expanding Executive Power Presidents have increased their constitutional powers by taking a broad interpretation of such powers. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 23
Presidential Power The Constitution grants the President executive power. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 24
The State of the Union While an address to Congress is required by the Constitution, the method of address is left to each President. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 25
The Courts The nation s courts, particularly the Supreme Court, interpret the Constitution on a regular basis. The power of judicial review gives the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. Each type of ruling sets a precedent for interpreting future laws. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 26
Political Parties The Constitution does not mention political parties. Yet parties are very influential in our political process. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 27
Political Parties, cont. The Constitution says nothing about the nomination process. Political parties use state primaries and national conventions to choose candidates. Parties also influence the selection of electors to the electoral college. Party membership also influences the President s decision-making process when choosing political appointees. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 28
Customs Unwritten customs can be as influential as written laws. After Franklin Roosevelt was elected to four consecutive terms from 1932 to 1944, the two-term limit was made into law by passage of the 22 nd Amendment in 1951. Copyright Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 29