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ConstitutionObjectives (pg 299-327)

• Identify historical facts about the Constitution• Distinguish the purposes of the preamble• Identify several articles w/n the constitution• Recognize current members w/n the first

three articles and note some of their responsibilities

Top 10 facts of Constitution1. Author James Madison2. Signed in Independence Hall, in Philadelphia3. Signed on September 17, 1787..ratified by needed 9 states in 1788 4. Prepared in secret, behind locked doors guarded by sentries. 5. 55 delegates attending, 39 signed, 3 delegates dissented. Two "founding fathers" didn't

sign: Jefferson was in France & Adams was in Great Britain. 6. November 26, 1789, George Washington created the first "Thanksgiving Day“ for the

Constitution. 7. At 81, Ben Franklin of PA was the oldest & @ 26, Jonathon Dayton of NJ was the

youngest. 8. 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first ten amendments

became known as The Bill of Rights due to concern of a lack of individual rights9. The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When

the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping. 10. More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty three have gone

to the states to be ratified & 27 were approved to become amendments2

The Constitution was written by• A. Benjamin Franklin• B. Thomas Jefferson• C. James Madison• D. Jonathon Dayton

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Purpose: provide framework for government & preserve ideals of fore fathers.

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U.S. Constitution has three main parts:Preamble: opening sectionArticles (7): describe structure of governmentAmendments (27): additions and change

Preamble: 6 purposes1. “To form a more perfect Union”—unite the states to

effectively operate as a single nation2. “To establish Justice”—system of fair laws & courts: all

citizens treated equally3. “To insure domestic Tranquility--peace & order, citizens &

property safe4. “To provide for the common defense”—militarily ready to

protect the country and its citizens from outside attacks5. “To promote the general Welfare”—help people live healthy,

happy, & prosperous lives6. “To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our

posterity”—guarantee freedom & rights of all Americans, including future generations 5

What is the main purpose of the US Constitution?A. provide a framework for the U.S.

government. B. Create friendships with other nationsC. All the above

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The purpose(s) of the preamble of the constitution is/are______A. To form a more perfect UnionB. To establish JusticeC. To insure domestic TranquilityD. All the Above

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Articles of the Constitution• Seven divisions.: Each article covers a general

topic. • Article I: legislative branch.• Article II: executive branch.• Article III: judiciary branch.• Article IV: relations among the states• Article V: amendment process • Article VI: national supremacy • Article VII: ratification

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LAWS Interprets & applies Laws

Enforce Laws

Article I: Legislative- lawmaking authorityHouse of Representative

Based on state’s population

Senate2 per state

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Casey & ToomeyHarper Mensch

Vice President serves as president of the senateSpeaker of House is chosen

by the house

House of Representative• elected every 2 years• introduce spending bills

• 25 y/o• U.S. citizen (at least 7 yrs)

when elected, must be in state which represents

• 435 members• 6 states w/1 rep

• Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, & Wyoming

• California has the most – 53

• elected every 6 years• approve or reject treaties &

presidential nominations for government offices

• 30 years old• U.S. citizen (at least 9 yrs)• Fulfilled residency in the

state that person wishes to represent

• Power of impeachment

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SenateArticle I: Legislative branch

The # of representatives to Congress from each state is based on_________

a. Land areab. Admission datec. Number of cities

d. Total population

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Term of office for a member of the HouseA. Two yearsB. Three yearsC. Four yearsD. One year

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Article II:Executive branch• Cabinet• Presidential powers

Secretary of agriculture, labor, health & human services, housing, transportation, energy, education, homeland security

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Travels to countries to meet w/heads of foreign governmentsGreets distinguished visitors @ White HouseWorks out treaties/agreements w/other nations Appoints ambassadors Serves as the Commander in Chief: send troops anywhere in the world to protect our interests or to keep peace in troubled places.

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A bill becomes a law if it is passed by the ____________ and signed by the _______________. A. Congress, presidentB. House of Representatives, SenateC. Speaker of the House, President of the

Senate

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Article III:Judicial-- interprets laws

• Supreme Court• Judge whether federal, state, & local govts are acting w/n the law. • Decide if a president's action is unconstitutional.

• Other federal courts• Federal courts: Powers derive from U.S. Constitution and federal laws.• State courts: Powers derive from state constitutions and law

Brown v. Board of Education

Body w/power to hear cases appealed from lower courtsA. Supreme Court B. House of Representatives C. CongressD. Presidential Party

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Article IV: relations among the states.• Relationship of states to one another and to

national government• Admission of new states• Guarantee that national government will

protect states• Republic—a form of democracy

• Elected representatives make laws and conduct government

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Article V• Amendment process.• All 27 amendments were proposed by a

two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress

• Senate House of Reps