THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CH. 3

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

Shortly after the end of the colonial war, the newly formed U.S. decided that they needed a stronger form of government.

They decided to create a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

A Constitutional Convention was formed and George Washington was elected to be in charge of it.

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Why was George Washington chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention?Did every state come to the Convention?What were some weaknesses that the representatives were trying to iron out?What type of democracy is this similar to?

Making the Constitution

There were several different compromises during the making of the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, The Electoral College, The Three Fifths Compromise, The Great Compromise, and several others were all in agreement before the constitution could be passed and become law. 9 of the 13 states had to ratify (accept and approve) the new Constitution. Everyone of the states eventually did.

Sections of the Constitution

The following make up the Constitution. Every aspect of our national government can be found in these sections.

The Preamble

The Articles (7)

The Bill of Rights (added in 1791)

PREAMBLE

This is one of the most often quoted sections of our Constitution.

It makes sure that everyone knows that the power of our government comes from the people, and not from the government itself.

                                                                                            

           

ARTICLES

The Articles explain how government is supposed to work. The first three articles are very specific about the structure of government, while the last four are about more general matters.

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What are the three main parts of the Constitution?

What is the purpose of the Preamble?

Which of the seven articles are most specific?

Basis Aspects of the Constitution

Popular Sovereignty

Rule of Law

Separation of Powers

Checks and Balances

Federalism

Popular Sovereignty

One of the most important principles brought forth by the Constitution.

Means: the power (sovereignty) lies with the people (populace, or popular means population or public).

Rule of Law

In England, many of the nobles had been above the law, and got away with murder, literally.

This principle is the basis of our judicial system (courts).

Means: no one person or group of people are above the law.

Separation of Powers

In order to protect the people of the U.S. from the abuse of power, Separation of Powers were inserted in the Constitution.This meant that no branch of government has all the power. There are three branches; Executive, Legislative. And Judicial.

DO NOT COPYHow many branches of the government are there?What are the three main parts of the constitution?What does rule of law mean?What does popular sovereignty mean?Who was president of the constitutional convention?What does checks and balances mean?

Checks and Balances

This means there are Checks and Balances in the Constitution that keep any one branch from becoming too powerful.

LEGISLATURE: Checks and Balances

Pass laws by majority vote

Declare war

Coin and borrow money

Approve treaties

Amend constitution

Tax

Regulate commerce

Confirm presidential appointments

EXECUTIVE: Checks and Balances

Enforce laws

Make treaties

Command armed forces

Veto legislation

Appoint judges

JUDICIAL: Checks and Balances

Interpret laws

Settle disputes between states

Declare Presidential actions unconstitutional

Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

Federalism

This puts a limit on how powerful our Federal (national) government can become.

It divides power between a State and a National Government.

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What are the five main principals found in the Constitution?

Which of the principals is the most important?

How to amend the Constitution

There are two ways to amend the constitution.

See pg. 85

Group QuestionsHow often are they elected?

How old do they have to be?

How long must they have been a citizen?

How many does each state get?

Where to find answers……….

House of Rep.: Art I, Sec II

Senate: Art I, Sec III

Executive: Art II, Sec I

GROUP QUESTIONS

As a group, name ten rights that you should have that no one can take away from you.As a group, decide what form of democracy you would have (representative or direct) and write a 1 paragraph explanation.As a group come up with 5 ways the country would be different if we did not have a Constitution.

JOB POSTINGIn your group, create a job posting.

Be as creative as you would like. Make sure you include all of the info that is needed as well as any info you think would be important.

Include:Job titleHow long they will hold the positionWhat some of their duties areWhat the qualifications are (how old, citizenship)Anything you think the job seeker should know

about the position.