“We the People of the United States, 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.”

Form a more perfect UnionEstablish justiceInsure domestic tranquilityProvide for the common defensePromote general welfareGuarantee liberty for ourselves +

our posterity

To correct the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Ready to frame a new government

Opposing views

Government with authorityor

Protect individual rights

Issues

Large & small states

North & South

Strong national government versus states’ rights

CONNECTICUT Representation in Congress Bicameral legislature

SENATE Equal representation

HOUSE State’s population (census every 10

years)

Slavery and powerRepresentationTaxes

9 out of 13 must approveHeld conventions in each state“The Great Debate”

Alexander Hamilton

Thomas Jefferson

Elastic Clause Congress can make all laws “necessary

and proper” Stretches to fit changing circumstances example: minimum wage

Amendment Process Changes Both Congress and the states must

approve Judicial Interpretation

Courts review cases

Popular Sovereignty Source of all power to govern is the people

Limited Government Powers are defined Legal limits

Separation of powers Legislative, executive, judicial

Checks and Balances Prevents too much power in any one branch

Legislative Branch Makes laws for the nation.

Executive Branch Provides leadership and enforces laws.

Judicial Branch Explains and interprets laws.

Bicameral – Two houses Senate House of Representatives

Electing the presidentElectoral collegePowers and duties

AGAINST “winner-take-all”

Electoral vote versus popular vote

Electors not bound by law to vote for winning candidate

FOR Amendment to

Constitution Small states would lose

over-representation Threat to two-party

system

Voters cast ballots for electors

Electors cast ballots for President + VP

if candidate wins majority of votes in a state he/she get all the electors

large states have more electors so candidates focus on these states

Two court system – FEDERAL & STATE National court system Each state has its own

Federal – Judicial Review Interpretation of the Constitution

“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…”

- Washington’s Farewell Address, September 17, 1796

Neutrality

1803 Marbury v Madison established the right of Supreme Court to interpret laws passed by Congress

John Marshall- Chief Justice of Supreme Court (Federalist) who increased power of court

Traditions that are accepted but not always part of Constitution

Cabinet- group of advisors to President Two-term Presidency- established by

Washington only became part of Constitution after FDR

political parties- organized around common ideas these are not required by Constitution

Attempt to influence laws legislation

Process for making a change to the Constitution

Between 1795- 2002 only 27 amendments to Constitution

To protect individuals and states against too much government power

Civil libertiesExample: Second Amendment, Right

to Bear Arms (Right To Own a Gun)