Section 1, Chapter 3 Ideals of the Constitution Influences

The Pilgrims: Wrote the Mayflower Compact to create a new government based on the consent of the people

(Popular sovereignty)

Preamble Introduction of the Constitution Goals of the Constitution:

to form a more perfect union establish justice insure domestic tranquility provide for the common defense promote the general welfare secure the blessings of liberty

The Constitution Preamble (intro) 7 Articles

Article I Legislative Branch (makes laws) Article II Executive Branch (enforces

laws) Article III Judicial Branch (interprets

laws) 27 Amendments

1-10 Bill of Rights

Representative Democracy Based on the consent of the people Elect representatives/send letters Majority rules- a system in which the

decision of more than half the people is accepted by all, but minority free to express views

A Federal System Powers divided between the national

and state governments (Chart pg. 73) Delegated powers-powers given to

the federal government Reserved powers-powers to the

states Concurrent powers-powers shared to

federal and state governments

U.S. Constitution and the laws of the federal government shall be “the supreme law of the land.”

Limited Government- a gov’t with defined restrictions to its power

Bill of Rights-protects the powers of the people

Section 2, Chapter 3Three Branches of Gov. Legislative Branch

Article I Congress- makes the laws House of Representatives and Senate

Executive Branch Article II Enforces, executes, or carries out the laws Headed by President

Judicial Branch Article III Interprets laws and punish lawbreakers Supreme Court

Checks and Balances To ensure that no branch of federal gov’t

becomes too powerful. Each branch has powers that check, or

limit, the other branches.

Section 3, Chapter 3A flexible document Constitution is flexible (adapts to a

growing/changing nation) 3 ways it can be adapted to changing

needs: Amendments Interpretation (Supreme Court) Customs (Cabinet/terms)

The Amendment Process Article V Amendment- a written change made to the

Constitution Proposed

By Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses or

By a national convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 (34) of the State legislatures

Ratified By the state legislatures of 3/4 (38) of the

States By conventions held in 3/4 of the states