THE DOCUMENT THAT RUNS OUR GOVERNMENT

The Constitution

The Original Set Up

The Articles of Confederation were originally set up to give most of the governing power to the states, and the law makers with most of the federal (national) governmental power

But this document failed to be strong enough to support a new country’s government…

Failures: Paper money system No way to impose taxes No national military States didn’t always have a common goal

Shay’s Rebellion

The paper money from the Congress under the Articles of Confederation wasn’t worth as much as coinage

Farmers in Massachusetts unable to pay off their debts and forced to sell their lands

Daniel Shay leads a rebellion against the state They seize the courthouse and take weapons from the

armory.State militia called in, but not strong enough

to fight back effectively

Shay’s Consequences

Showed that a stronger national gov’t was needed to prevent future rebellions that would be bigger.

James Madison agreesNew Document to be created in 1787 by the Continental Congress, where G.W. was the president

Making a Constitution

Constitution needs several compromises to come about between big states and small states Slavery (3/5ths compromise) Representation (VA plan vs. NJ plan Great

Compromise) Election of Executive Branch (Electoral College)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mIB6EUaYyU

Parts of the Constitution

Preamble: states what the document’s purpose

Articles: Bodies that give national government its powers (7 total)

Bill of Rights: First 10 Amendments meant to describe the most basic rights of citizens

Amendments: Changes to ConstitutionSignatures of Delegates

The Preamble

Tells the Goals of the GovernmentExplains also what the goals of the framers

are to sustain a strong nation for generations to come

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30OyU4O80i4

The Articles

Article I: The Legislative BranchArticle II: The Executive BranchArticle III: The Judicial BranchArticle IV: Duties of the States and how

Federal Gov’t helps the statesArticle V: Amendment ProcessArticle VI: Supreme Law of the LandArticle VII: Ratification process of the

Constitution

Article I: The Legislature

Lays out the purpose/powers of the Legislative Branch (The “lawmakers” in Congress)

Sets up a two house system in Congress This was agreed upon in the Great Compromise Is called bicameral because of the two houses

Senate set to be the Upper House with equal representation, the House of Representatives the lower house based on population

They are the voice of the people in running the government

Article I: Qualifications

In order to be in the House of Representatives, you must: Be at least 25 years old Been a citizen for the last 7 years Live in the state that elects them Two-year Terms

To be at Senator, you must: Be at least 30 years old Been a citizen for the last 9 years Live in the state that elects them Six year terms (staggered where only 1/3 of them are up for

election every 2 years)Thanks to the 27th Amendment, they can vote to

raise their own salaries!!!

Article I Continued: Powers of Congress

Budget the money of the US How much taxes should be brought

in, as well as how much is spentRaise an army/navyDeclare WarPay off debtsGrant citizenshipMake/Approve TreatiesPropose billsVeto the PresidentImpeach/Remove the PresidentApprove Federal JudgesRegulate Interstate TradeMAKE LAWS

Senate

House of Reps

Article I: How a Bill Becomes a Law

Congress proposes a bill (in the House or Senate) Only the House can propose new Tax bills

If a majority of the initial house approves of the bill, it is sent to the other for debate.

Once both approve, it is sent to the president President has 3 options:

1. Sign it turning the bill into a law2. Veto it decline it and send back to the Congress

Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote

3. Pocket Veto Don’t sign or veto, and let it sit for 10 days Once the 10 days have passed, it becomes a law. UNLESS

Congress is not in session on the 10th day, in which case it will not be a law and the process starts all over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0

Legislature: Impeachment of Executive Officers

If the President proves to be unable to perform his duties, or is unfit to be president, the Congress can impeach him

Crimes of Treason, Bribery, and other high crimes are subject to impeachment

The House of Reps calls for the impeachment with a majority vote

The Senate then conducts the trial of the officer Need 2/3 of the vote to convict of the crimes and remove

from office This process is all listed in Article I (Legislative

Power)

Article II: The Executive

This is the branch led by the President that executes (carries out) the laws

President also serves as the figure head for the nation, and since the office is led by just one man, they often are the face to turn to in time of crisis WHY?????

Vice President described here as well

Article II: Electing the President

Election process of the Presidenthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77XzULmd

PIohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mIB6EUa

YyUPresident elected by the Electoral College

system 538 total votes (100 Senators +435 Reps + 3 in DC) Winner of popular vote in each state gets that states’

electoral votes (states votes is the sum of senators and representatives)

270 electoral votes needed to win election

Article II: Becoming President

In order to be President, you must: Be at least 35 years old Born in the United States Have lived in the US for the last 14 consecutively

Article II: Powers of Executive

Appoints Supreme Court Justices and federal judgesCommander in Chief of the militaryApproves/vetoes laws from CongressRuns the Cabinet (his advisors)Runs the agencies of the government (CIA, FBI,

FDA)Is the foreign relations representative for the nationCan help propose legislationExecutes the budget set by CongressGrant pardons to criminalsNominate Ambassadors

Article III: The Judiciary

The Judicial Branch is in charge of interpreting the Constitution (the court system to determine if laws are correct in what the Constitution wants them to be)

Consists of all Federal Courts and the Supreme Court

Supreme Court

Article III: Federal Courts

Two sets of federal courts1. District Courts

1. Hears most cases involving federal laws2. Divided into large districts over the whole nation

2. Appellate Courts1. Hears appeals cases from District Courts

1. Appeals happen to test a previous decision in a case

2. Supreme Court is the last court of appealsCongress creates these courts as needed but

cannot effect the Supreme Court

Article III: Powers of the Judiciary

Supreme Court decisions are final. All courts must obey their decisions

Judicial Review: Determining whether or not the law follows the Constitution or the government in acting in accordance with the Constitution

Supreme Law of the Land

Article III: The Supreme Court

Run by 9 justices (judges) They are appointed by President, approved by Senate

and serve until they die or retire (as long as they’re good)

Only hear about 100-150 cases a yearSettle cases between states (i.e. if KY sued

OH)

Checks and Balances

Balances: Gives each branch a role in the government to split up the power

Check: how each branch keeps the other two from getting too strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEPd98CbbMk

See page 126 in your book for some examples…