December 9, 2013-

E Pluribus Unum-”From Many One”This motto was adopted in 1782 by the Founding Fathers.

Copy the motto above.

What do you think the Founding Fathers were trying to say?

The Constitutional Convention1787

• Met in Philadelphia with George Washington as leader

• The purpose was to create a republic

• In a republic the decisions rest upon the consent of the people who elect representatives

• 9 states were needed for ratification or approval

The Original 13 States

Decisions of the Constitutional ConventionFederalism

• Throw out the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger federal or national government

• Create a federalism, a constitutional system with powers shared between the national and state governments

Compromises of the Constitutional Convention

• The Great Compromise– Bicameral Legislature– House of

Representatives • Representation based

on population

– Senate• Each state has equal

representation

• 3/5 Compromise– Debate over counting

slaves for purposes of representation

– Each slave counts as 3/5 of a person

– Slave trade will end in 1808

The Preamble We the People of the United States of

America, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.

GOALS OF THE PREAMBLE PREAMBLE EXPLANATION EXAMPLES

“Form a more perfect Union”

Create a nation in which states work together

*interstate roads*U.S. coins, paper money

“Establish justice” Make laws and set up courts that are fair

*court system*jury system

“Insure domestic tranquility

Keep peace in the country *National Guard*Federal Marshals

“Provide for the common defense”

Safeguard the country against attack

*Army*Navy

“Promote the general welfare”

Contribute to the happiness and well-being of all the people

*Safety in the workplace*aid to the poor

“Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”

Make sure future citizens remain free

*Commission on Civil Rights*Federal Election Commission

The Constitution

PREAMBLE INTRODUCTION THAT STATES THE PURPOSE

ARTICLESPROVIDES THE STRUCTURE AND DEFINITION

AMENDMENTSPROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE

• Many people thought the Constitution made the government too strong and disagreed with it. They were called Anti-Federalists.

• Thomas Jefferson proposed adding the Bill of Rights.

• These 10 amendments protected the individual rights of the Americans.

• They guaranteed:– Freedom of worship, speech and press– Trial by jury– No unusual punishments– No housing of soldiers– Right to bear arms– No search and seizure without a court

order

THE BILL OF RIGHTS

The United States ConstitutionFederal System of Government

The Three Branches of GovernmentBalance of Power

EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE JUDICIAL CARRIES OUT THE LAWS MAKES THE LAWS JUDGES THE LAWS

PRESIDENT CABINET SENATE HOUSE OF SUPREME COURT AND REPRESENTATIVESVICE PRESIDENT

CHECKS AND BALANCESThe constitution divides the powers given to the national government

This division keeps one branch from being more powerful than another and also allows each branch to check on another’s actions and decisions.

EXECUTIVE BRANCHJUDICIAL BRANCH

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The President may:

• Veto laws passed by Congress

• Call a special session of Congress

The President may:

• Pardon people convicted of federal crimes

• Appoints federal judges

The Supreme Court may:

• Declare President’s actions unconstitutional

• Declare laws unconstitutional

The Senate and House may:

• Overrule decisions of the courts by proposing constitutional amendments

• May remove federal judges

The Congress may:

• Override President’s veto

• Refuse to approve a treaty

• Refuse to approve a President’s appointments

• Remove a President from office

The Supreme Court may:

• Declare laws unconstitutional

What part did North Carolina play?

• NC met in Hillsborough on July 21, 1788 and decided NOT to ratify, or approve, the Constitution. NC believed that it created a central or federal government too powerful.

• NC and Rhode Island decided to remain totally independent of the United States.

• In Fayetteville in 1789, with the promise of a Bill of Rights, NC became the 12th state to approve the Constitution.