Principles of the Constitution

ObjectivesAnalyze the philosophy behind the Preamble

of the ConstitutionExplain the three basic principles of the U.S.

Constitution

Preamble We the people, in Order to form a more

perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves and our Posterity,do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America

Preamble

1. Federalism (p. 72)

power divided between the central government and the states

Power derived from the citizens Article 4 (Supremacy Clause)

Basic Principles

Supremacy Clause

2. Separation of Powers (p. 51) “Ambition must be made to counteract

ambition,” 3 branches of government Separately staffed Equal under the constitution and independent

of each other

Q. How are the three branches interconnected?

Basic Principles cont.

Separation of powers

cont. Law-making Legislative Branch

highlights Directly represent the

people (House, Senate) Impeachment Override presidential

veto Federal Budget Approves presidential

appointments

Separation cont.

Law-enforcing Executive Branch

Carries out laws Approve or veto Submit legislation Nominated

Supreme court and federal judges

Commander in Chief

Separation cont.

Law-interpreting Judicial Branch

Invalidate laws (Constitution)

Invalidate executive orders (Constitution)

A. Law-making, law-enforcing, law-interpreting

How are the 3 branches interconnected?

3. Checks and Balances Identify the checks and balances within the

system. (p51) Legislative Executive Judicial

Basic principles cont.

Objectives revisitedAnalyze the philosophy behind the Preamble

of the ConstitutionExplain the three basic principles of the U.S.

Constitution