~How It All Started~Understanding American Government

Standard Standard 4-4

› 4-4.1 Compare the ideas in the Articles of Confederation with those in the United States Constitution.

› 4-4.2 Explain the significance of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government.

› 4-4.3 Explain why the Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution and how American constitutional democracy protects the rights of individuals and places importance on active involvement of its citizens in government.

The Article of Confederation The first constitution of the United States and specified

how the Federal government was to operate. Under the Articles, the states retained sovereignty over

all governmental functions not specifically relinquished to the national government.

Does not call the United States of America a "nation" or "government," but instead says, "The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever."

The Constitution

Outlines the organization of government

Grants power and authority to government

May server as a symbol of the country Supporters were called Federalists

Constitution

Separation Of Power

Power was divided horizontally in the system of checks and balances where power is shared between the judicial, executive, and legislative branches.

Judicial branch is Executive branch is Legislative branch is

The Courts

The PresidentCongress