The Constitution:The Basis of Our Democratic Government

LESSON 7 Shaping a New Nation

LESSON 7 Shaping a New Nation

What are the underlying principles of our government?

I. DEMOCRACYA. Government derives

its power from the governed (Locke)

B. Government’s power is limited by a written constitution

C. Officials, selected by secret ballot, are responsible to the people

D. People are protected against tyranny by the guarantee of basic civil liberties

The Constitution: The Foundation of American Government

II. PREAMBLE: Introduction to the Constitution

A. “…to form a more perfect union…” goal of preserving national unity

B. “…to ensure domestic tranquility…” law and order

C. “…to establish justice…” creation of fair legal procedure

The Constitution: The Foundation of American Government

D. “…to provide for the common defense…” raising a military

E. “…to promote the general welfare…” focus on economic and social well-being

F. “…to secure the blessings of liberty…” protection of individual freedoms

How does the Constitution promote federalism?

III. FEDERALISM: The division of power between the central government and the state governments delegated powers, reserved powers, concurrent powers

Why does separating the powers of government lead to a stable government?

IV. SEPARATION OF POWERSBRANCH ROLE WHO

EXECUTIVE

Carries out the law, sign a bill into law, sign treaties, make

appointments

The President and the executive agencies and departments

LEGISLATIVE

Makes the law, ratify treaties and

appointments

House of Representatives and the Senate

JUDICIALJudges the law, declares a law

unconstitutional

The federal court system and

Supreme Court

How does the elastic clause help to strengthen our nation?

V. ELASTIC CLAUSE: Congress is granted the power “to make laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers…”

A. APPLICATION OF ELASTIC CLAUSE1. 1791: Creation of national

bank2. 1877: Congress began

regulation of railroads

Why does our system of checks and balances lead to a stable government?

VI. CHECKS AND BALANCES: The system by which each branch of government is given power over other branches

A. Congress can:1. Refuse to pass a bill2. Override a veto 3. Refuse to ratify a

treaty or Presidential appointment

4. Impeach a Judge or President

Why does our system of checks and balances lead to a stable government?

B. The President can:

1. Veto a law 2. Refuse to comply

or enforce a law

C. The Judicial Branch can:

1. Declare a law unconstitutional

2. Has a lifetime tenure of office