Building blocks of america (1)

Building Blocks of…

Constitution

• The Constitution was written in 1787.

• It is the “Supreme law of the land”.– No Law may contradict it– No person is exempt from following it

• The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic– We have a union of 50 states, the people

govern themselves, people choose the representatives, and the government gains its power from the people.

Bill of Rights and Amendments

• The founding fathers wanted to insure that the rights of all citizens were considered.

• The reasons behind the amendments were so that all people had a “bill of rights” that would guarantee them certain freedoms and immunities.

• More amendments would be added as the times and issues in America would change.

Important Parts

• Inherent rights

• Self Government

• Separation of powers

• Inherent rights: Rights that anyone living in America has

• Self Government: Government by the people.

• Seperation of Powers: Branches of governments with different powers (Checks and Balances)

Inherent Rights

Self-Government

The Three Types of Government

Three types of Government

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

ExecutiveCommander in Chief.

President

Commander of Armed forces in America

Can sign bills into laws

The US President• Can convene or adjourn (call or close) the

Senate or House of Representatives.• Power with the Presidents have grown in

recent years.• President can “over ride” Congress in

certain circumstances in regards to war.• The President can serve _____ years as

President. • Has the power to uphold and enforce US

Laws

Brown v. Board of Education

Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch of Government

• Also called Congress

• Consists of two houses: The House and the Senate

• Consists of 535 voting members: 435 Representatives and 100 Senators

Legislative Branch of Government

• Each state has at least TWO Senators

• Each state has at least ONE House representative, depending on population

• Each senator serves a six year term, which every two years allowing the senator to be up for re-election.

• The house elects a Speaker (presiding officer). Who delegates duties to those under him or her

John Boehner, Chuck Schumer, Kristen Gillibrand

Senate and the House Powers

• Senate can consent to treaties.

• Confirming the appointment of cabinet members, federal judges, and other important figures.

• Can also trial impeached officials.

• The house can pass federal legislature that affects the entire country.

• The house can create taxes.

• Impeach officials.• Can elect a president

if there is no majority in the electoral college.

Senate and the House of Representatives both reside in the Capital Building

Filibuster

• What is a filibuster?

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDUrw7j0UA4

Judicial Branch

The US Supreme Court

• Highest federal court in the United States

• It has jurisdiction over all courts in the US

• Final interpreter of Constitutional Law

• Consists of eight judges and one chief Justice- 9 judges total

• Once appointed, the Supreme Court judges stay for life…UNLESS

The US Supreme Court

• They die

• They retire

• Take senior status

• Or can be impeached (This has never happened).

• And the judges are categorized by being conservative, moderate, or liberal in terms of the law.

The Roberts Court