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