Framework of the U.S.

Constitution

Framework

Preamble: States the purpose of the Constitution

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Branches of Government• Legislative Branch: Article I in the

Constitution

• Makes Laws

• BICAMERAL (2 branches House and Senate) in Congress.

• This system provides checks and balances within the legislative branch.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH• HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

made up of legislators who serve two-year terms. • The total number (435) of representatives does not change. The

amount that each state has does, based on the population of the state. (This process is known as apportionment) What is done every 10 years to measure a states population?

•SENATE: each state has an equal number of representatives, regardless of population.

» Every state has 2 senators, each serving 6 year terms

» What compromise gave us the bicameral legislature that we have today?

Branches of Government• Executive Branch: Article II in the U.S. Constitution

• President• Responsible for enforcing the laws

• President: Leader of the country and Commander in Chief of the military.

• Vice President: President of the Senate and becomes President if the President is unable to serve.

• Cabinet: Appointed department heads that advise the president. They’re approved by the Senate.

• What basic principle of the constitution allows the senate to approve or check presidential appointments?

Branches of Government

• Judicial Branch: Article III in the U.S. Constitution

• Interprets the laws (through the courts)Supreme Court members are appointed by the president. Once appointed, they serve

for life.

-Think, if the president appoints them, who approves the appointment?

• Courts decide arguments about the meaning of laws, how they are applied, and whether they violate the Constitution

(Judicial Review).

What court case establishes Judicial Review?

Something to remember…

• ARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVE BRANCH• MAKES LAWS

• ARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCH• ENFORCES LAWS

• ARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCH• INTERPRETS LAWS

• How do you become a member of the Supreme Court?

– A. Appointed by the Senate and approved by the House of Representatives

– B. Appointed by the President and approved by the Supreme Court

– C. Appointed by the Senate and approved by the Supreme Court

– D. Appointed by the President and approved by the Senate

ASSIGNMENT• Create an organizational chart, hanging diagram,

foldable, etc. that represents the different branches of government.

• This must include: » Branches of Government» Article» What branch handles what?» Details about each branch» Must be in the correct order

» Be CREATIVE and try to include as much detail as possible. You can use your book, notes etc. to find more information that pertains to what you need.

» How could you make it more interesting than what is already in books and on display? What would grab your attention? What information would spark more interest?