A FEDERAL SYSTEM• The new Constitution shifted the power from

the states to sharing of power between the states and the national government known as federalism.

• The U.S Constitution is the supreme law of the land and the final authority in any dispute.

System of Checks and Balances• Each branch has some way to check, or control, the other

two branches.• Checks and balance is another way in which the Constitution

limits the power of government

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

1. Sets up a republic gov’t (citizens rule through elected representatives)

2. It is a federal system (sharing of powers between the national and state governments)

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

3. THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENTa. The Legislative Branch [bi-cameral; House of Representatives (population)and The Senate (equal)] which makes the lawsb. The Executive Branch (The President and federal agencies) that enforce and carry out the laws made by the legislature.c. The Judicial Branch (The Supreme Court and other federal courts) which interprets the laws and actions of the other two branches.

Separation of Powers- The Legislative Branch (Congress)

PASSES LAWS◊ Can override President’s veto◊ Approves treaties/presidential appointments◊ Creates lower federal courts◊ Appropriates money◊ Prints and coins money

◊ Raises and supports the armed forces◊ Can declare war◊ Regulates foreign and interstate trade

The U.S. Capitol Building

Separation of Powers- The Executive Branch (The President)

Carries out or enforces laws- Proposes laws- Can veto laws- Negotiates foreign treaties- Commander-in-Chief of armed forces- Appoints federal judges, ambassadors etc.- can grant pardons to federal offenders

The White House

Separation of Powers- The Judicial Branch (The Supreme Court and

other federal courts)

Interprets laws- Can declare laws unconstitutional- Can declare executive

actions unconstitutional

THE BILL OF RIGHTS

• The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.

• Protection of individual freedoms from government abuse

Bill of Rights

• 1st Amendment- Freedom of religion, press, speech and assembly and the right to petition

• 2nd Amendment- the right to keep and bear arms• 3rd Amendment- no quartering of troops• 4th Amendment- right against unreasonable

searches and seizure• 5th Amendment- rights of the accused (trial by jury,

double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process)

Bill of Rights

• 6th Amendment- Right to a speedy trial and a trial by jury, confront witnesses, compel witnesses to testify, and the right to an attorney in criminal trials.

• 7th Amendment- Right to a jury trial in civil cases

• 8th Amendment- No excessive bail/fines and no cruel and unusual punishment

Bill of Rights

• 9th Amendment- The people have rights not listed in the Constitution

• 10th Amendment- Powers not given to the federal government go to the states