The Constitution of the United States of America

April 30, 1789 – Inauguration –President Washington

A Breakdown of the Constitution

The Constitution is divided into 7 Articles.

Each Article deals with a different role or function of government.

Each Article is broken down into Sections.Ex. - Article 1. The Legislature, Section 3. The Senate

Preamble - 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 defense, 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.

Six Principles of the US Constitution

1. Popular Sovereignty2. Federalism3. Separation of Powers4. Checks and Balances5. Limited Government6. Judicial Review

1. Popular Sovereignty

Who gives the governments it’s power?

The people!

The Constitution rests on the idea of popular sovereignty – a government in which the people rule.

As our nation grew, so did the diversity of the people participating (voting) and controlling the country.“We the People”

2. Federalism How is power shared

in America?

Federalism is the system of government in which power is shared between a central gov.t and smaller units, such as states.

Federalism & Power

National Gov.t

50 State Gov.ts

Powers shared by National and State Governments

Who has more power? Federal Gov’t State Gov’t

3. Separation of Powers

How is power divided in America?

UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

Article 2.

Executive Branch

President enforces the laws.

Article 1.

Legislative Branch

Congress makes the laws.

Article 3.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court interprets the law.

4. Checks and Balances

Checks onCongress

Checks onPresident

Checks onCongress

Checks onCourts

Checks on President

Checks on Courts

Executive Branch

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch

* Each branch of government can exercise checks, or control over the other branches.

How is power evenly distributed?

What are some specific checks for… 1. Legislative branch on Executive

2. Executive on Judicial

3. Judicial on Legislative

5. Limited Government How is the abuse of power prevented?

In America, everyone must follow the “rule of law.”

There are no exceptions, when someone can legally break the law.

The Bill of Rights also protects citizens from abusive government.

Article 1, Section 9 lists the powers denied to Congress (pg. 730)

6. Judicial Review The court system (Judicial Branch) has the

power to determine if the Legislative or Executive branches acts in accordance with the Constitution.

This idea exists in the different layers of government (National, State, and Local).

Does the action, idea, or law agree or disagree with the US Constitution?

Is it this or that?Constitutional vs. Unconstitutional

Describe a Supreme Court Case you Know About