Chapter 3 notes
Download
Report
Transcript Chapter 3 notes
Section 1, Chapter 3
Ideals of the Constitution
Influences
The Pilgrims: Wrote the Mayflower
Compact to create a new government
based on the consent of the people
(Popular sovereignty)
Preamble
Introduction of the Constitution
Goals of the Constitution:
to form a more perfect union
establish justice
insure domestic tranquility
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
secure the blessings of liberty
The Constitution
Preamble (intro)
7 Articles
Article I Legislative Branch (makes laws)
Article II Executive Branch (enforces
laws)
Article III Judicial Branch (interprets
laws)
27 Amendments
1-10 Bill of Rights
Representative Democracy
Based on the consent of the people
Elect representatives/send letters
Majority rules- a system in which the
decision of more than half the people
is accepted by all, but minority free to
express views
A Federal System
Powers divided between the national
and state governments (Chart pg. 73)
Delegated powers-powers given to
the federal government
Reserved powers-powers to the
states
Concurrent powers-powers shared to
federal and state governments
U.S. Constitution and the laws of the
federal government shall be “the
supreme law of the land.”
Limited Government- a gov’t with
defined restrictions to its power
Bill of Rights-protects the powers of the
people
Section 2, Chapter 3
Three Branches of Gov.
Legislative Branch
Article I
Congress- makes the laws
House of Representatives and Senate
Executive Branch
Article II
Enforces, executes, or carries out the laws
Headed by President
Judicial Branch
Article III
Interprets laws and punish lawbreakers
Supreme Court
Checks and Balances
To ensure that no branch of federal gov’t
becomes too powerful.
Each branch has powers that check, or
limit, the other branches.
Section 3, Chapter 3
A flexible document
Constitution is flexible (adapts to a
growing/changing nation)
3 ways it can be adapted to changing
needs:
Amendments
Interpretation (Supreme Court)
Customs (Cabinet/terms)
The Amendment Process
Article V
Amendment- a written change made to the
Constitution
Proposed
By Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses
or
By a national convention called by Congress
when requested by 2/3 (34) of the State
legislatures
Ratified
By the state legislatures of 3/4 (38) of the
States
By conventions held in 3/4 of the states