CHAPTER 8: THE CONSTITUTIONGovernment, Citizenship, and the Constitution

Preamble Opening statement

Form a more perfect Union Establish justice Insure Domestic Tranquility

Provide for the Common Defense

Promote the General Welfare

Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves & our posterity

7 Principles Principles:

Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Federalism Republicanism Individual Rights

7 Articles Articles:

1. Legislative 2. Executive 3. Judicial 4. States’ Rights 5. Amendments 6. Highest Law of the Land

7. Ratification Process

3 Branches Legislative,

Executive, & Judicial

Checks & Balances

Each Branch limits the power of the other two

Legislative Branch

Made up of Senate & House

Senate-VP & House-Speaker (Congress)

Only officials chosen by voters

Most important power is to make laws (proposed laws=bills)

Can override Presidential veto, ratify treaties, & impeach

Executive Branch

President Carries out laws Can veto (reject),

make appointments, & call special sessions of Congress

Chosen by Electoral College-complex system of people pledged to a candidate

Judicial Branch Declares laws

unconstitutional District Court,

Court of Appeals, & the Supreme Court

Supreme Court is the “court of last resort”

Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments Ratified by ¾ state

legislatures Examples

1-freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, & petition

5-can’t be forced to incriminate yourself (due process/rights of the accused)

Amendments Change 27 total Proposed by Congress

or a national convention

Ratified by ¾ state legislatures

Living Document-can be changed in response to new needs & challenges

Specific Amendments

13-abolished slavery14-citizenship for ALL born here (specifically slaves)15-voting rights for ALL men19-voting rights for women26-lowered voting age to 18

State Governments

Longer & more detailed Constitutions

Constitutional Initiative (process of causing change)

Grants licenses to doctors, lawyers, & teachers

State education

Local Governments

Responsible for police & fire protection

Provide parks, sports arenas, libraries, etc…

School district

Citizenship Citizen-owes loyalty

to nation & community Born here Naturalized through

legal process Immigrant-enters a

country to settle & can be naturalized

Resident alien (noncitizen)

Civic Virtue Sacrifice for good of

the nation/community (Responsibility)

Democratic values (honesty, compassion, & courage)

Patriotism-love of country

Civic Responsibilities Voting Obeying laws Defending nation Jury duty Serving community Being informed