Constitution Objectives (pg 299-327)

1. ConstitutionObjectives (pg 299-327) • Identify historical facts about the Constitution • Distinguish the purposes of the preamble • Identify several articles w/n the constitution • Recognize current members w/n the first three articles and note some of their responsibilities

2. Top 10 facts of Constitution • Author James Madison • Signed in Independence Hall, in Philadelphia • Signed on September 17, 1787..ratified by needed 9 states in 1788 • Prepared in secret, behind locked doors guarded by sentries. • 55 delegates attending, 39 signed, 3 delegates dissented. Two "founding fathers" didn't sign: Jefferson was in France & Adams was in Great Britain. • November 26, 1789, George Washington created the first "Thanksgiving Day“ for the Constitution. • At 81, Ben Franklin of PA was the oldest & @ 26, Jonathon Dayton of NJ was the youngest. • 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first ten amendments became known as The Bill of Rights due to concern of a lack of individual rights • The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping. • More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty three have gone to the states to be ratified & 27 were approved to become amendments

3. The Constitution was written by • A. Benjamin Franklin • B. Thomas Jefferson • C. James Madison • D. Jonathon Dayton

4. Purpose: provide framework for government & preserve ideals of fore fathers. • U.S. Constitution has three main parts: • Preamble: opening section • Articles (7): describe structure of government • Amendments (27): additions and change

5. Preamble: 6 purposes • “To form a more perfect Union”—unite the states to effectively operate as a single nation • “To establish Justice”—system of fair laws & courts: all citizens treated equally • “To insure domestic Tranquility--peace & order, citizens & property safe • “To provide for the common defense”—militarily ready to protect the country and its citizens from outside attacks • “To promote the general Welfare”—help people live healthy, happy, & prosperous lives • “To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity”—guarantee freedom & rights of all Americans, including future generations

6. What is the main purpose of the US Constitution? A. provide a framework for the U.S. government. B. Create friendships with other nations C. All the above

7. The purpose(s) of the preamble of the constitution is/are______ A. To form a more perfect Union B. To establish Justice C. To insure domestic Tranquility D. All the Above

8. Articles of the Constitution • Seven divisions.: Each article covers a general topic. • Article I: legislative branch. • Article II: executive branch. • Article III: judiciary branch. • Article IV: relations among the states • Article V: amendment process • Article VI: national supremacy • Article VII: ratification

9. LAWS Enforce Laws Interprets & applies Laws

10. Article I: Legislative- lawmaking authority House of Representative Based on state’s population Senate 2 per state Casey & Toomey Mensch Harper Vice President serves as president of the senate Speaker of House is chosen by the house

11. Article I: Legislative branch House of Representative elected every 6 years approve or reject treaties & presidential nominations for government offices 30 years old U.S. citizen (at least 9 yrs) Fulfilled residency in the state that person wishes to represent Power of impeachment Senate • elected every 2 years • introduce spending bills • 25 y/o • U.S. citizen (at least 7 yrs) when elected, must be in state which represents • 435 members • 6 states w/1 rep • Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, & Wyoming • California has the most – 53

12. The # of representatives to Congress from each state is based on_________ a. Land area b. Admission date c. Number of cities d. Total population

13. Term of office for a member of the House • Two years • Three years • Four years • One year

14. Article II:Executive branch • Cabinet • Presidential powers Secretary of agriculture, labor, health & human services, housing, transportation, energy, education, homeland security

16. Travels to countries to meet w/heads of foreign governmentsGreets distinguished visitors @ White HouseWorks out treaties/agreements w/other nations Appoints ambassadors Serves as the Commander in Chief: send troops anywhere in the world to protect our interests or to keep peace in troubled places.

17. A bill becomes a law if it is passed by the ____________ and signed by the _______________. A. Congress, president B. House of Representatives, Senate C. Speaker of the House, President of the Senate

18. Article III:Judicial-- interprets laws • Supreme Court • Judge whether federal, state, & local govts are acting w/n the law. • Decide if a president's action is unconstitutional. • Other federal courts • Federal courts: Powers derive from U.S. Constitution and federal laws. • State courts: Powers derive from state constitutions and law Brown v. Board of Education

19. Body w/power to hear cases appealed from lower courts A. Supreme Court B. House of Representatives C. Congress D. Presidential Party

20. Article IV: relations among the states. • Relationship of states to one another and to national government • Admission of new states • Guarantee that national government will protect states • Republic—a form of democracy • Elected representatives make laws and conduct government

21. Article V • Amendment process. • All 27 amendments were proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress • Senate House of Reps