The U.S. Constitution

Basic Principles

The U.S.Constitution

PopularSovereignty Federalism

Separationof

Powers

LimitedGovernment

Checks &Balances

Flexibility

UnwrittenConstitution

Popular SovereigntyThis is the first and most basic principle!

The power of the government rests with the peopleEvidence of this…- The first words of the Preamble are “We the People…”- People choose their own representatives in elections

FederalismThe sharing of power between National (Federal) Government and State Government

DelegatedPowers

ReservedPowers

ConcurrentPowers

Grant Licenses Regulate Education Provide Police Force Regulate Property

Sales within State

Declare War Negotiate Treaties Issue Money Regulate Interstate

Commerce Regulate Foreign Trade

Levy Taxes Define Crimes Punishment

Borrow Money Hold Elections

* Powers given to the National Govt.* * Powers held by the State Govt’s*

* Powers held by BOTH*

Separation of Power

Makes it difficult for one individual or group to gain control over the entire gov’t

Makes The Laws

EnforcesThe Laws

InterpretsThe Laws

Limited GovernmentPower is limited and regulated by the ConstitutionPreamble – lists the purposes of the federal government• Establish justice• Insure domestic tranquility• Promote the general welfare• Secure liberties

Powers denied to the Federal Government

Powers denied to both Federal & State Governments

Powers denied to theState Government

• To suspend the writ of habeas corpus, except in times of war

• To spend money without Congressional approval

• To pass ex post facto laws• To pass bills of attainder• To grant titles of nobility• To tax exports• To deny persons due process

of law

• To coin money• To enter into treaties• To tax imports• To tax the federal

government

Checks and Balances

To make sure that one branch does not become too strong!!! *Very Important**Very Important*

*Joke*

FlexibilityThe Constitution has the ability to change and adapt to changing situations.

• Amendment Process- three quarters (3/4) of the states must approve any amendment• New Interpretations - the Supreme Court has the job of interpreting the Constitution

o The Elastic Clause – (a.k.a. the necessary and proper clause) permits the court to justify new powers

o Helps the Court to adapt the Constitution to the needs of the times

ALiving

Document

When will I

use this info??

Unwritten Constitution

Practices that became customary even though they were never formally incorporated

The CabinetThe Constitution gave the President to

appoint people to assist him. Washington started the trend of relying on these

people for advice

Political PartiesThe Constitution does not mention political parties. They have played a LARGE role in our government system since Washington

was president.

Congressional CommitteesThese help Congress select the most important bills out of the thousands

proposed. Committees hold hearings, discuss, and evaluate every bill.

Judicial ReviewThe Supreme Court has the power to

review federal and state laws to determine if they are permissible under the U.S.

Constitution.

OUTLINE THE ESSAY

TEST GRADE!!TEST

GRA

DE!!