Constitution

Before the Constitution

• Article of Confederation (1781)• Created a weak central government• Lacked the power to deal with nations problems

• So …• 1787 Constitutional Convention held to• 1st revise the Articles then replace them

Preamble to 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 defence, 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.

System of Government

• Use the reading “Forming a New Government” pp 584-585 to explain the following:1. What was the Federal system of government?

2. Identify the 3 branches and their roles.

3. Explain “checks and balances.”

4. How did the Enlightenment influence the Constitution?

5. What was the role of James Madison at the Constitutional Convention?

6. Why did some people oppose the Constitution?

7. What was the solution Congress developed? What did Congress’ solution do?

Systems of Government

Federal System

• Political power is divided between the national and state governments.

3 Branches

Legislative – make laws

Judicial – interprets laws

Executive – enforces laws

Systems of Government

Checks and Balances

• System to make sure no one branch becomes more powerful.

Enlightenment

• Locke & Rousseau• Gov’t as consent of people

• Montesquieu• 3 branches

James Madison

• Negotiated the key/main points of the constitution• Small vs. large• North vs. South

Opposition

• Failed to protect the rights of citizens

System of Government

Congress’ Response

• Agreed to add the Bill of Rights

• Protected natural rights• Speech• Religion• Due process of law