1. The Preamble Tells the Goals of the Constitution (Section 9.2):

• 1a. “We The People” (Exam).

- The Government gets its power from the people.

• 1b. The six goals.- A more perfect union.- Establish Justice.- Domestic Tranquility.- Provide Common Defense.- Promote General Welfare.- Secure the Blessings of Liberty.

2. The Legislative Branch Makes Laws (Section 9.3):

• 2a. Primary Job (1st) (Exam).

- To make the Laws.

• 2b. Senate, 2 from each state, why?- Balance power between the large and small states.

2c. House of Representatives.- Based of the states population and large states get more reps.

3. The Executive Branch Carries Out the Laws (Section 9.4):

• 3a. Primary job (1st).

- To Carry out the laws and run the day to day operations of the country

• 3b. List other jobs of the President.

- Chief Executive.- Nominates federal officials and Judges.- Negotiates treaties.- Head of the armed forces.

4. The Judicial Branch Interprets the Laws (Section 9.5):

• 4a. Primary Job (1st) (Exam).

- Main job is to interpret the law and settle disputes.

• 4b. Judicial Review.

- 1# Job of the Supreme Court.

- Way to check the other branches.

* Decide if laws or actions are unconstitutional.

5. Checks and Balances Between the Branches (Section 9.6):

• 5a. Purpose of checks and balances? (Exam)

- Way to limit the power of the other 2 branches of government.

- To prevent one branch from becoming to powerful.

• 5b. Examples of checks and balances.

- Executive can veto.

- Legislative can override.

- Judicial can find the law unconstitutional.

- Etc… there are all kinds.

6. The Amendment Process (Section

9.7)(Exam):

• 6a. Meaning of “Living Document.” (Exam)

- The Constitution is a living document because it can be changed over time through the amendment process.

• 6b. 2 ways to propose an amendment.

- 2/3 vote in each house of congress.

- Nat. Convention called by congress at the request of 2/3 state leg.

6c. 2 ways to Ratify Amendments.

- 3/4 of State Leg. Vote.- 3/4 of State Conventions.

7. The Federal System Connects the Nation and the States (Section 9.8)

(Exam):• 7a. Federalism

- Shared powers between the state and national government.

7b. Chart = List of powers 7c. Benefits of a common

market.- 1st, goods move easier across the country.- 2nd, Large bus. Can be located in diff. states.- 3rd, Single Nat. Econ.

8. Popular Participation in Government (Section 9.9) (Exam):

• 8a. Majority Rule.

- Decisions represent what most of the people want in a nation.

• 8b. Ways people can participate in government.

- People can Vote.- Belong to Political Parties.- Join Interest Groups.

9. Vocabulary Items for Ch. 9:

•9. Know the simple definitions for the key content items.