The U.S. Constitution
Basic Principles
The U.S.Constitution
PopularSovereignty Federalism
Separationof
Powers
LimitedGovernment
Checks &Balances
Flexibility
UnwrittenConstitution
Popular SovereigntyThis is the first and most basic principle!
The power of the government rests with the peopleEvidence of this…- The first words of the Preamble are “We the People…”- People choose their own representatives in elections
FederalismThe sharing of power between National (Federal) Government and State Government
DelegatedPowers
ReservedPowers
ConcurrentPowers
Grant Licenses Regulate Education Provide Police Force Regulate Property
Sales within State
Declare War Negotiate Treaties Issue Money Regulate Interstate
Commerce Regulate Foreign Trade
Levy Taxes Define Crimes Punishment
Borrow Money Hold Elections
* Powers given to the National Govt.* * Powers held by the State Govt’s*
* Powers held by BOTH*
Separation of Power
Makes it difficult for one individual or group to gain control over the entire gov’t
Makes The Laws
EnforcesThe Laws
InterpretsThe Laws
Limited GovernmentPower is limited and regulated by the ConstitutionPreamble – lists the purposes of the federal government• Establish justice• Insure domestic tranquility• Promote the general welfare• Secure liberties
Powers denied to the Federal Government
Powers denied to both Federal & State Governments
Powers denied to theState Government
• To suspend the writ of habeas corpus, except in times of war
• To spend money without Congressional approval
• To pass ex post facto laws• To pass bills of attainder• To grant titles of nobility• To tax exports• To deny persons due process
of law
• To coin money• To enter into treaties• To tax imports• To tax the federal
government
Checks and Balances
To make sure that one branch does not become too strong!!! *Very Important**Very Important*
*Joke*
FlexibilityThe Constitution has the ability to change and adapt to changing situations.
• Amendment Process- three quarters (3/4) of the states must approve any amendment• New Interpretations - the Supreme Court has the job of interpreting the Constitution
o The Elastic Clause – (a.k.a. the necessary and proper clause) permits the court to justify new powers
o Helps the Court to adapt the Constitution to the needs of the times
ALiving
Document
When will I
use this info??
Unwritten Constitution
Practices that became customary even though they were never formally incorporated
The CabinetThe Constitution gave the President to
appoint people to assist him. Washington started the trend of relying on these
people for advice
Political PartiesThe Constitution does not mention political parties. They have played a LARGE role in our government system since Washington
was president.
Congressional CommitteesThese help Congress select the most important bills out of the thousands
proposed. Committees hold hearings, discuss, and evaluate every bill.
Judicial ReviewThe Supreme Court has the power to
review federal and state laws to determine if they are permissible under the U.S.
Constitution.
OUTLINE THE ESSAY
TEST GRADE!!TEST
GRA
DE!!
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