The US Constitution
The US Constitution
Constitution (cont.)
Parts of the Constitutions Preamble – Introduction Article I – Legislative Branch Article II – Executive Branch Article III – Judicial Branch Article IV – Relations among States Article V – Amending the Constitution Article VI – National Debt, Supremacy of
National Law, and Oaths of Office Article VII – Ratifying the Constitution
Preamble
To form a more perfect union… Stronger national government Promote loyalty Unite people Make the US one country
Preamble
To establish justice… Peaceful way to settle disputes Fair, orderly system of justice Consistent court system
Preamble
To ensure domestic tranquility… Protecting citizens from crime Maintaining law and order
Preamble
To provide for the common defense… Defending against foreign enemies Providing and using the military to protect citizens
Preamble
To promote the general welfare… Providing needed services such as health care,
education Dealing with natural disasters Helping citizens during times of need such as the
elderly or disabled
Preamble
To secure the blessing of liberty… Protect individual rights Equal rights to all citizens Equal protection and treatment
Basics of the Constitution(Separation of Powers)
Constitution
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Executive BranchExecutive
Branch
Cabinet(15 departments)
President And
Vice - President
Executive Branch
Powers of the Executive Branch Directs Foreign Policy Commander – in – Chief of the Military Representative of all Americans Carry out and enforce the nations laws Power of veto Cabinet appointments Federal justice appointments
Legislative Branch
LegislativeBranch
Senate(100 members)
*two members from Each state
House of Representatives(435 members)
*membership from each State is based on
Population
Legislative Branch
Powers of the Legislative Branch Make and pass laws Control government spending Watchdog of the executive branch Ability to impeach any federal official Propose amendments Override vetoes Ratifies treaties Declare war
Judicial Branch
JudicialBranch
Supreme Court(9 justices)
Appellate Courts
Military Courts
US court of Appeals For the Federal
circuits
Judicial Branch
Powers of the Judicial Branch Supreme Court
Highest Court Power of Judicial Review (it can review laws and decide
whether the laws are constitutional) Hear appeals
Judicial Branch
Powers of the Judicial Branch Federal Courts
Courts that hear cases that come under federal law Appeal Courts
Consider district courts decision in which the losing side has asked for a review of the verdict
Federalism
Federalism – A system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a central, or national, government and several regional governments
Federalism
Examples of the National Government’s Powers
Establish a postal systemSet weights and measuresRegulate interstate and foreign tradeRaise and support armed forcesDeclare warMake peaceCoin and print moneyGrant patents and copyrightsEstablish federal courtsGovern territories and admit new statesRegulate immigration
Examples of the Powers Reserved to the States
Regulate trade within the stateWrite business and corporation lawsEstablish and maintain public schoolsEstablish local governmentsPass marriage and divorce lawsConduct electionsRatify constitutional amendmentsPass license requirements for professionalsRegulate alcoholic beverages
Concurrent Powers (Powers of both the federal & state governments)
Levy and collect taxesBorrow moneyMake and enforce lawsEstablish and maintain courtsCharter banksProvide for public welfareDefine crimes and set punishmentsClaim private property for public use