Understand the basic outline of the Constitution Understand the
six basic principles of the Constitution. Identify the four
different ways by which the constitution may be formally changed.
Explain how the formal amendment process illustrates the principles
of federalism and popular sovereignty. Understand that several
amendments have been proposed, but not ratified. Identify how basic
legislation has added to our understanding of the Constitution over
time. Describe the ways in which the executive and judicial
branches have interpreted the Constitution. Analyze the role of
party practices and custom interpreting the Constitution.
Slide 3
Constitution is 220 years old it is the supreme law of the land
7000 words Deals with principles not details Divided into 7
Articles and 27 Amendments 6 basic principles
Slide 4
All political power resides with the people Government can
govern only with the consent of the governed We the people
Representative democracy a republic
Slide 5
Not all powerful Can only do the things people have given it
power to do. Constitutionalism government must be conducted
according to the constitutional principles Rule of law officers and
officials are subject to not above the law.
Slide 6
Basic powers of government are separated into three independent
branches Executive Legislative Judicial Creates a strong national
government but at the same time limits them
Slide 7
Each branch is subject to a number of restraints (checks) by
the other branches Each branch has certain powers with which it can
check the operations of the other two. Veto reject Override reverse
Impeach accuse
Slide 8
Not originally in Constitution Marbury v. Madison 1803 Power of
a court to determine the constitutionality of a government law or
action. Unconstitutional a government action or law that violates
the Constitution
Slide 9
Government powers are also distributed (separated) between the
Federal government and states The division of power among a central
government and several regional governments
Slide 10
Slide 11
Identify the four different ways by which the Constitution may
be formally changed. Explain how the formal amendment process
illustrates the principles of federalism and popular sovereignty.
Understand that several amendments have been proposed, but not
ratified. Go over key amendments to the Constitution.
Slide 12
Article V sets out how to change the Constitution. 2 ways to
propose and 2 ways to ratify so 4 ways to do it. Amendments changes
in its written words
Slide 13
Propose 1) 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress 2) Proposed at a
national convention (Constitutional Convention) by request of 2/3
of the State Legislatures never done Ratify Ratified by conventions
in of the states (done once) Ratified by of the State
Legislatures
Slide 14
Amendment procedure is Federalism. It supports the will of the
people.
Slide 15
President has no say States can vote no then vote yes later but
not the reverse. 15,000 proposed amendments 33 have been sent to
states 27 have been approved Usually a 7 year deadline (27 th
)
Slide 16
Not major changes Bill or Rights collectively the first 10
amendments First 9 about civil rights 10 th about state powers
(reserved) 12 th electoral college Civil War Amendments 18 th and
21 st prohibition of Alcohol 22 nd term limits 26 th 18 voting age
27 th written by James Madison Congressional pay raises.
Slide 17
Slide 18
Constitution changes by other means. Constitution is more of an
outline wanted us to fill in the gaps (framers) 1) Congressional
legislation 2) Presidential actions 3) Supreme Court decisions 4)
Political party activities 5) Custom and usage
Slide 19
Passed laws to clarify brief Constitutional provisions Allowed
Congress to establish the court system Allowed Congress to
establish the executive secretaries and other agencies. Regulate
commerce almost anything (EPA)
Slide 20
Made war without declaration Or used military Executive
Agreement deal made with other leaders not ratified by Senate
Treaty formal agreement between two countries must be ratified by
Senate. Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase
Slide 21
Marbury v. Madison gave power of Judicial review a
constitutional convention in continuous session - Wilson
Slide 22
Electoral college body that makes the formal selection of the
nations president. rubber stamp Electoral college is organized by
party, so is Congress
Slide 23
Cabinet an advisory board to the President made up of
department secretaries. Presidential Succession VP takes over in
death of President. Only supposed to do so until another election
could be held. John Tyler had himself sworn in as President not
acting President 25 th amendment made it permanent (1967)
Senatorial courtesy appoint judges and such knowing that the Senate
will approve them. 2 term limit permanent in 1951 after FDR.
Slide 24
Lets have a constitutional convention What amendment needs to
be added to the Constitution?
Slide 25
How have party practices changed the way we interpret the
Constitution? How did the framers feel about political parties?
What are two ways in which custom has influenced government? What
is precedent?