Chapter Three—The Constitution

Section One--The Road to the Constitution

Why was a new framework of government necessary?

• The Articles of Confederation was causing too many problems– Nation in extreme debt– Congress could not tax– Congress could not enforce laws– States taxed excessively– Trade between states and other

nations was nearly impossible to accomplish

What kind of people were involved in writing the Constitution?

• White males• Educated• Wealthier• Experience working in government• Military heroes• Examples—George Washington,

James Madison, Benjamin Franklin

Chapter Three—The Constitution

Section Two—Creating and Ratifying the Constitution

What problems did the “framers” of the Constitution face DURING the

Constitutional Convention?

1. Fear of outside pressure and undue influence from constituents

2. Concern over voting procedures3. Arguments over two plans of

government (Virginia Plan v. New Jersey Plan)

Virginia Plan

• Bicameral Legislature• Both houses will base

representation on population• Will have a president, legislature,

and court system—Three Branches of Government!

New Jersey Plan

• Unicameral Legislature• Representation in legislature will

be the same for all states

The Great Compromise (AKA Connecticut Plan)

• Bicameral legislature• Representation in one house (the House of

Representatives) will be determined by population (representative elected by the people)

• Representation in the other house (the Senate) will be the same for each state (two per state, elected by the state legislature)

THIS SLIDE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!

Problems DURING…Commerce Compromise

Fixing problems with commerce and trade– States could not tax exports or

imports– States could not deal individually

with other nations– Congress was allowed to regulate

trade between states; could not tax interstate trade

– Standardized currency and weights and measured

Slavery Compromises

• Slave Trade• “Fugitive slave clause”• Three-Fifths Compromise

How do will we elect our president?

• Elected by Congress??• Elected by the people??

• Compromise: The Electoral College

What problems did the “framers” of the Constitution face AFTER the

Constitutional Convention?

• Anti-Federalists disapproved

• Federalists fought against Anti-Federalists

Chapter Three—The Constitution

Section One—The Road to the Constitution

What is the preamble to the Constitution?

• Introductory paragraph with six goals– Make a “more perfect union”– Establish justice– Ensure domestic tranquility– Provide for the common defense– Promote the general welfare– Secure liberty for all future

generations

What is the purpose of Article I?Powers and responsibilities of

Congress

– Borrow money– Regulate trade– Control immigration– Coin money– Establish post offices– Create federal courts– Declare war– Finance the military– Make laws necessary to to carrying out

their powers (necessary and proper clause)

What is the purpose of Article II?Powers of the President

• Commander in Chief• Make treaties• Grant pardons and reprieves• Appoint federal judges• Appoint other high officers in

government

What is the purpose of Article III?The Powers of the Judicial Branch

• Jurisdiction over federal crimes and federal civil cases

• Can overturn any laws that are made that violate the constitution (***Judicial Review***)

Extra Credit QuizThe Preamble and the Constitution

 List THREE GOALS of the Preamble List THREE Powers of Congress

List THREE Powers of the President

What is the vocabulary word that means “the ability of the Supreme Court to declare a law to be unconstitutional

Purpose of Article IV?• Describes the

relations between the states– “Full faith and

credit clause”– How new states

are admitted– All states must

have a republican form of government

– Issues of extradition

Purpose of Article V?• Describes how the

Constitution can be amended– Amendments

must be proposed by 2/3 of Congress

– Amendments must be ratified by ¾ of the states

How can the Constitution be amended?

2 /3 o f C on g ress 2 /3 o f th e S ta tes

S tep O n eP rop os in g an A m en d m en t

3 /4 o f S ta te L eg is la tu res 3 /4 o f S ta te C on ven tion s

S tep Tw oR atifyin g an A m en d m en t

A m en d in g th e C on s titu t ionTw o S tep P rocess

What is the purpose of Article VI?

• Contains the “Supremacy Clause”

What is the purpose of Article VII?

• Describes process for ratification—9 of the original 13 states must approve for the Constitution to be official

How is the Constitution interpreted?

1. Necessary and Proper Clause2. Through different people interpreting

the Constitution over time

Section FourUnderlying Principles of the

Constitution

1. Popular Sovereignty (Voting)2. Separation of Powers (Checks and

Balances)—prevents abuses of power Checks and Balances.doc

Section FourUnderlying Principles of the

Constitution

3. Federalism—Cooperation between federal, state, and local governments. (Enumerated,Concurrent, Reserved Powers)

4. Limited Government(Bill of Rights)

Federalism—Types of Powers

Enumerated Powers(National Powers)

•Regulate trade with other nations and among states•Conduct foreign affairs•Raise and support the military•Establish a postal system•Govern US territories•Admit two states•Regular immigration

Concurrent Powers(Shared Powers)

• Taxation•Pass laws•Establish courts•Enforce the laws•Borrow money•Provide for the welfare of citizens

Reserved Powers(State’s Powers)

•Driving laws•Marriage and divorce laws•Establish local governments•Manage elections•Oversee public schools•Regulate trade within the state