7 Principles of the Constitution

Debate

Can pro

pose La

ws, ve

to la

ws,

call C

ongress

to se

ssion,

Negotiate

s fore

ign tr

eaties

Appoints federal judges

Can grant pardons to federal

offenders

Executive checks on the Legislature

Executive checks on the Judicial

Creates lower federal courts, can impeach and remove judges, can propose amendments to overrule judicial decisions, Approves appointments of federal judges

Can override Pres vetoConfirms executive appointments, ratifies treaties, can declare war, appropriates money, Can impeach and remove the President

Checks that the Legislative Branch has on the other two branches

Can Declare executive actions unconstitutional

Can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

Checks that the judicial Branch has on the other two branches

Limited Government

Restricted Government

powers

To what extent should the federal government be involved in economic issues?

• Position A: The federal government's powers over taxation as well as international and interstate trade allow significant participation in directing economic policy.

• Position B: The federal government should only act to remedy unfavorable economic conditions for business activity.

Republicanism

The People elect representatives to represent them in government

What should be the role of citizens in creating public policy?

• Position A: Public policy should reflect the opinion of voters.

• Position B: Public policy should be created by officials who are most informed about the issues involved.

Federalism

• A union of states under a central government

How should power be divided between the federal government and the states?

• Position A: The Federal government should retain the most power because it is best positioned to insure fair treatment, safety and equal protection for all Americans.

• Position B: The states should retain the most power because they are closer to the people, better informed on local issues and best positioned to exercise authority for their residents.

Separation of Powers

Division of power between the Executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Once Congress declares war and the President assumes the role of Commander-in-Chief who

decides how the war ends?

• Position A: Congress, the policy making branch which represents the people, should determine peace terms.

• Position B: The President as Commander-in-Chief is in the best position to determine appropriate actions.

Checks and BalancesChecks and Balances

Ensures that one branch isn’t more powerful than the other

When the President makes a nomination, what should be the nature of the Senate's "advice and consent?"

• Position A: The Senate should defer to the President's choice of who he wants working under him.

• Position B: It is the Senate's duty to make an independent judgment of a nominee's suitability for a position serving the American people, even if that means denying the President his choice.

Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty

The authority of the government is created and maintained through the consent of the people (Voting))

Should voter ballot initiatives be allowed to overturn laws passed by legislative bodies?

• Position A: Yes; ballot initiatives allow voters to directly participate in their government.

• Position B: No; voters already express their views through election of public officials.

Individual RightsIndividual Rights

Refer to your liberties as an individual

Should the government protect your individual liberties?

• Yes

• No

Lastly

• Exit Ticket• Can they Do that worksheet

Do Now

• SpeedSheet• Review the 7 principles of the Constitution

Significance of Fundamental Documents

• Virginia House of Burgesses- First representative government

• Mayflower Compact – the people formed a government and agreed to obey the laws

• Fundamental orders of Connecticut – First colonial Constitution

Speed Think

• With a partner discuss and write your answers to these questions. Be prepared to share.

Define unalienable rights. What are examples of unalienable rights? What document spoke about unalienable rights?

Is this a violation of individual rights?

John Locke• Right to Property

Primary Source Investigation