The Principles of the United States Constitution

Establishing a Government

The first Constitution was called “The Articles of Confederation”.

It had many problems (weak national government) so it was revised at “The Constitutional Convention”

The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787

Rhode Island sent no one……why?.

Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan

Virginia Plan called for a strong national government (collect taxes, make laws, enforce laws in court). It also wanted to establish a House of Representatives.

New Jersey Plan was formed to protect the interest of small states. Continue the government under the Articles of Confederation.

Who WON?????

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) established a bicameral Congress.

The Great Compromise passed by a single vote.

The new Constitution was approved on September 28, 1787 and sent to states to ratify.

I. Popular Sovereignty

Define REPUBLIC The people hold the ultimate authority A representative democracy lets the people

elect leaders to make decisions for them. Phil Gingrey (District 11) is our elected

official in Congress

II. Limited Government

Framers wanted to guard against tyranny Government is limited to the power given

them in the Constitution. The Constitution tells how leaders who

overstep their power can be removed

III. Federalism

The division of power between State and National Governments

Some powers are shared The National Government has the “supreme

power”

IV. Separation of Powers

No one holds “too much” power Legislative branch makes the laws Executive branch carries out the laws Legislative branch interprets the laws

Venn Diagram

Executive Legislative

Judicial

Legislative Branch

Senate and House of Representatives Make our laws Appropriate Money Regulate Immigration Establish Post Offices and Roads Regulate Interstate Commerce and

Transportation Declare War

Executive Branch

The President of the United States Chief Executive Chief of State Chief Legislator Commander in Chief

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court and other Federal Courts Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed

by the Constitution Considers cases involving national laws Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

V. Checks and Balances

Prevents the abuse of power in government Each branch can check each other branch

Executive Checks

Propose laws to Congress Veto laws made by Congress Negotiate foreign treaties Appoint federal judges Grant pardons to federal offenders

Legislative Checks

Override president’s veto Ratify treaties Confirm executive appointments Impeach federal officers and judges Create and dissolve lower federal courts

Judicial Checks

Declare executive acts unconstitutional Declare laws unconstitutional Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional The Supreme Court holds the final check