The Constitution

Senate

A governing body of the federal government that makes rules and laws

Guarentee

An agreement to protect a possession or right

No Third Term Tradition

A custom that was closely followed but not written into the Constitution. It began with George Washington, who refused a third term as President. All Presidents after President Washington followed the custom until Franklin D. Roosevelt. President Roosevelt was elected for a third and then a fourth term. As a result, the 22nd Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1951. It states that a President can be elected for only two terms.

26th Amendment

1971. It lowered the voting age to 18 in all elections in the United States. Its ratification was brought on by the war in Vietnam.

Cabinet

A group of advisors to the President made up of heads of the executive departments The heads of the 15 executive departments make it up

Quorum

A majority

Sources of Informal Agreements to the Constitution

Basic legislature Executive Action Court Decisions Party Practices Customs

James Madison

Major figure in the movement to replace the Articles of Confederation A member of the Continental Congress and the Virginia Assembly, where he helped form the Constitution of Virginia in 1776. A delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He argued to scrap the Articles of Confederation. Instead, he wanted a national government that served individual citizens rather than the states. Took a leading role in shaping the Constitution and was the author of the basic plan of government adopted by the delegates. After ratification, Madison became known as the "Father of the Constitution." As a congressman from Virginia, Madison helped create the Bill of Rights. In 1808, James Madison was elected the fourth President of the United States.

Informal Agreements

Many informal amendments to the Constitution have been made since 1787. Unlike formal amendments, these have not changed the Constitution's actual words. These changes have come from five sources. 1. Congress has made changes to the Constitution through two kinds of basic legislation. First, it has passed laws that fill in details about the specific ways the government operates. Second, it has passed thousands of laws that explain certain parts of the Constitution. 2. The way Presidents have used their powers has produced some informal amendments. For example, a President may choose to make an executive agreement, or pact, with the head of another country instead of a treaty, which is a formal agreement between two sovereign countries that requires congressional approval. 3. The courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, have informally changed the Constitution by explaining parts of it when ruling on cases. The courts also decide if government actions are constitutional. 4. Political parties have informally shaped what the government does. For example, the parties have decreased the importance of the electoral college, the group that formally selects the nation's President. 5. Customs are the usual ways people do things. Many customs have developed in American government that are not mentioned in the Constitution. For example, the President's Cabinet, or advisory body, is customarily made up of the heads of executive departments and other officers. Senatorial courtesy is a custom in which the Senate will not approve a presidential appointment to serve in a state if the appointment is opposed by a senator from the President's party.

Electoral College

People chosen in each state and the District of Columbia every four years to formally select of the President and Vice President

Principles of the Constitution

Popular sovereignty Limited government Checks and balance Federalism Judicial Review Separation of Powers

Ammendments

Protects people's individual rights

The New Jersey Plan

Suggested by the smaller states. It called for one Congress with the states represented equally. Congress could impose taxes and regulate trade. The New Jersey Plan also called for a "federal executive" of more than one person.

18th Amendment

The 18th Amendment—sometimes referred to as Prohibition—was ratified in 1919. This amendment banned the making, use, and transportation of alcohol. What came to be known as "the noble experiment" lasted fewer than 14 years. The 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.

Bill of Rights / Getting Anti-Federalists to Agree with the Constituion

The Federalists agreed to add amendments to the Constitution to protect people's basic rights. Many Anti-Federalists then favored it. These ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added two years later. The Bill of Rights guarantees such rights as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.

President

The President has power to name federal judges, but the Senate must approve each appointment. The Senate must also approve the President's appointments of other important government jobs

Commander in Chief

The top person in charge of a nation's armed forces; in the United States, the President

Customs and Usage Change the Constitution

Unwritten customs are as important to our government as law. For example, the heads of the 15 executive departments make up the Cabinet, a group of advisors to the President. This is not part of the Constitution, but has developed by custom. Also, each time a President has died in office, the Vice President has taken over. This has happened eight times in history. However, the custom was not written in the Constitution until the adoption of the 25th Amendment in 1967. Until then, the Constitution stated that the powers and duties of the presidency—not the office itself—should be given to the Vice President

22nd Amendment

(1951) limited the number of terms a President may serve to two. It was proposed in 1947 after Franklin D. Roosevelt had been elected to four terms as President.

Constitutional Convention Agreements

1. Create a legislature (lawmaking body) for the new government 2. Every five slaves would count the same as three free men 3. The delegates debated how much power Congress should have over trade. They decided Congress would control trade between states. The states were given control of trade within their own territories. 4. The northern and southern states did not agree on the issue of foreign trade, or trade with other countries. The delegates gave Congress the power to control foreign trade. Congress could tax imports (goods brought in) but not exports (goods shipped out). The delegates also said that Congress could not end the slave trade for 20 years.

Method to Ratify an Ammendment

1. Proposed by Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses. Congress proposes an amendment. The amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Then the amendment is sent to all the states. At least three-fourths of the state legislatures must ratify the amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. So, 38 of the 50 states must ratify. Of the Constitution's 27 amendments, 26 were adopted in this manner. 2. It is sent to state conventions, called together to consider the amendment. If it is ratified by three-fourths of those conventions, it becomes a part of the Constitution. The 21st Amendment is the only amendment that was ratified by state conventions. This amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment, banned the manufacture, use, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. 3. Proposed at a national convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 of the state legislatures. The second method for proposing an amendment is done by a national convention. Congress calls this type of convention at the request of two-thirds of state legislatures. The proposed amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures. So far, Congress has not called such a convention. 4. The other way to ratify this type of amendment proposal is for it to be proposed at a national convention and then ratified by conventions in three-fourths of the states. The Constitution itself was adopted in a very similar way.

Popular Sovereignty

A basic principle of American government in which the people hold all of the political power Used in the United States People hold all political power. The people choose the leaders who will represent them and who do what the people want. The Preamble clearly states that it is the people who "ordain and establish" the Constitution. The Constitution was written and ratified to express the will of the people. Therefore, the federal government gets its power from the people. The same is true of state governments. The state leaders are also elected to represent and act according to the people's wishes. EXAMPLE: Voters

Principles

A basic truth, law, or ideal of behavior

Amendment

A change in, or addition to, a constitution

Formal Amendment

A change to the Constitution's written words.

Constitution

A document of compromises

Federalism

A government system in which power is divided between the national and the state governments When the Constitution was written, the Framers felt it would be difficult to have an effective national government and still preserve the rights of the states to govern independently. The colonists had fought to win independence from the British. They did not want to set up another government that would take away their rights. Federalism was their solution. It was a compromise between independent states with little connecting them and a central government that could be too powerful. Both levels of government would have their own agencies and officials. Both levels would pass laws that directly affected citizens. Federalism was another way in which the Framers limited the power of the federal government.

Bicameral

A legislative body made up of two parts, or chambers

Articles of the Constitution

A numbered section of a document such as the Constitution What the Constitution is divided into (7 of them) The first three articles outline the three branches of the federal government—executive, legislative, and judicial. Article IV outlines the relationship between the national government and the states. It also outlines the states' relationships to each other. Article V explains how amendments are added to the Constitution. Article VI says that the Constitution is the law of the land above any other law. Article VII explains ratification of the Constitution by the states. The last part of the Constitution contains the 27 amendments, in the order in which they were adopted.

Executive Agreements

A pact between the President and the head of a foreign country

Civilian

A person not on active duty in a military, police, or fire-fighting force

Anti-Federalist

A person who favored state and individual rights Favored stronger state governments than the Constitution permitted. Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution because they thought it would take away many state and individual rights. Patrick Henry, a famous Anti-Federalist, thought the Constitution would create a national government that was too powerful. Attacked almost every part of the Constitution, but two of its features drew the strongest criticism: (1) the greatly increased powers of the central government and (2) the lack of a bill of rights that would provide for basic liberties such as freedom of speech and religion. Led by Patrick Henry and John Hancock Believed that the Constitution was too strong and wanted a Bill of Rights.

Federalist

A person who favored the Constitution because it provided for a strong national government. They believed a strong central authority was necessary to defend the nation and keep it united. They stressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Believed the Constitution was strong enough to solve the country's problems Led by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison

Essay

A short written piece on a subject

Checks and Balances

A system in which each branch of government checks the others to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful Limits are placed on each branch to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has power to check the actions of the other two branches. Here are a few examples of how the system of checks and balances works. The President cannot make laws but must approve the laws Congress passes. The President can also veto, or reject, a law passed by Congress. Congress can override a President's veto by a two-thirds majority. Also, Congress must approve all money the country spends. The checks-and-balances system means that the three branches of government must compromise if they want to get anything done. This is what the Framers intended. For example, when appointing people to government jobs, the President usually picks someone he knows Congress will approve. In a similar way, when Congress passes a law, its members try to make sure the law is constitutional. These compromises keep government operating smoothly most of the time. Note, however, that the working relationship between the President and Congress runs more smoothly when they are of the same political party. Throughout most of our history, this has been the case. For the past 50 years, however, the American people have become familiar with divided government. But most recently, the Democrats won control of two branches of government. In 2008, Barack Obama recaptured the White House for the Democrats, and the Democratic Party strengthened its slim majorities in Congress.

Unconstitutional

Against the Constitution

The Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay were three well-known Federalists. They sent their messages to the people of New York by writing 85 essays in the New York newspapers. The authors all used the same name, Publius. They explained how the new government would work under the new Constitution and why this type of government was the best choice for the country. For example, The Federalist No. 51 told readers about the principle of checks and balances. The Federalist No. 78 explained the importance of an independent judicial branch. Explained that the military would be under civilian control. This meant that the chief civilian, the President, would be in charge of the military. Explained the rule of law Explained enumerated powers

Ammendment

Any change to the Constitution is called an amendment. The writers of the Constitution knew that changes might have to be made over time. However, changes to the Constitution are not made easily. Article V outlines how changes can be made to the Constitution. It gives two methods to propose amendments and two ways to ratify each proposal. When Congress proposes an amendment, it also chooses how the amendment will be ratified.

Changing the Constitution

As the needs of the country have changed, the Constitution has also changed. Many words are the same, as is much of their meaning. However, some words have been added. Others have been removed. This has been done by formal amendment and by informal means.

George Mason

Author of Virginia's Declaration of Rights

Virginia Plan

Called for a strong central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature (Congress) would be bicameral. The House of Representatives would have members elected from each state. The Senate would have members chosen by the House. Also, under this proposed plan, Congress would choose a "National Executive" and a "National Judiciary." Other conditions of the Virginia Plan were that states were required to take an oath to support the Union. States also would have representative governments and Congress would admit new states to the Union.

Supreme Court

Cannot make laws, but it can decide if a law is unconstitutional. If it does declare a law to be unconstitutional, Congress then has to change the law or write a new law.

George Washington

Commander of the continental army

After Ratification / Creating Capitals

Congress began putting the Constitution into use as soon as it was ratified. The first action Congress took was to name New York City the temporary national capital. Later the capital was moved to Philadelphia. In 1800, the capital was moved to Washington, D.C. Congress gathered for the first time on March 4, 1789. The legislators met in Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City. At that time, the states had elected 26 senators and 65 representatives to serve in the new Congress. Because it lacked a quorum (majority), Congress could not count the votes for President until April 6. On that day, George Washington was the unanimous choice for President. John Adams was elected Vice President. Then, on April 30, 1789, Washington traveled from his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia, to the capital in New York. He took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. After eleven states had ratified the Constitution in 1788, the states held elections for a new President. The first Congress of the new national government met in March, 1789. Because there was not a quorum, or majority of its members, the electoral votes could not be counted until April 6. At that point, it declared George Washington President.

Time Line on Amendments

Congress can set a time limit on the ratification period for amendments. For example, the ERA proposal expired in 1982. There was a seven-year deadline set on the 18th Amendment. Since then, Congress has set a similar time limit on all amendments, except the 19th Amendment.

Congress Adding to the Constution and Passing Laws

Congress has also added to the Constitution by the way in which it has used many of its powers. For example, the Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate commerce. What exactly does this mean? Congress has answered that question by passing thousands of laws. In doing so, it has expanded the meaning of the Constitution.

Failed Amendments

Congress has proposed more than 15,000 resolutions calling for amendments since 1789. Only 33 of them have been sent to the states, and only 27 have become amendments. One unratified amendment dealt with the distribution of seats in the House of Representatives. Another said that no amendments could be passed about slavery. A third amendment that failed was the Equal Rights Amendment for women (ERA) of 1972. It almost passed but fell short by three states

Congress Setting up the Government

Congress has the power to pass laws. Some of these laws have helped explain the meaning of parts of the Constitution. Take the federal court system as an example. The Constitution sets up the Supreme Court, but leaves the creation of all other federal courts to Congress. In 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act. Since then, all the federal courts, except the Supreme Court, have been created by acts of Congress. The Constitution creates the presidency and the vice presidency. Beyond that, it was Congress that set up the agencies, departments, and offices that make up the executive department.

The Later Amendments

Each of the remaining 17 amendments have been added to the Constitution as the result of interesting circumstances. The 11th Amendment, for example, says that states cannot be sued by citizens of other states. This amendment was proposed in 1794 and ratified in 1795. The matter came up when a man from South Carolina sued the state of Georgia. In 1804. The 12th Amendment changed the system for electing the President and Vice President. The 13th Amendment added in 1865, outlawed slavery in the United States. This amendment was a direct result of the Civil War. The 14th Amendment (1868) defined citizenship The 15th Amendment (1870) gave African American men the right to vote. Both of these amendments also resulted from the Civil War. After the 15th Amendment, 43 years passed before more changes were made to the Constitution. Then twelve amendments were added from 1913 to 1992. Since 1971, several amendments have been proposed, but most have failed to pass.

Marbury vs. Madison (what it established and what happened after)

Firmly established the power of judicial review Since the Marbury case, the Supreme Court and other federal courts have used this power of judicial review in thousands of cases. The Supreme Court has found part or all of an act of Congress unconstitutional in about 150 cases. The Court has also struck down several actions of Presidents and hundreds of state and local laws.

The two plans considered for the government

First plan offered: Virginia Plan The number of representatives a state sent to the legislature was linked to its wealth and population. Small states opposed this plan. 2nd plan offered: Plan New Jersey Plan Called for a government without strong and separate branches. It also proposed a unicameral legislature with an equal number of representatives from each state.

The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

Forbade Congress from taxing exports from any state as well as from acting against the slave trade for 20 years. Granting Congress the power to regulate foreign and interstate trade. Congress was forbidden to tax a state's exports to take action against the slave trade for 20 years.

Limited Government

Government that has certain restrictions and gives certain rights to individuals; when government has only those powers given to it by the people

Free Press in the United States

In 1733, the royal governor of New York suspended a judge who had ruled against him. The judge and others started a newspaper that spoke out against the governor and the replacement judge. The editor of this paper, The Journal, was Peter Zenger. He accused the governor of breaking the law. Peter Zenger was arrested and sent to trial for libel, or a false use of the printed word. The jury found Zenger not guilty because he had printed the truth. The case was important to the freedom of the press that we now have in America.

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1994 Requires a five-day waiting period to buy a handgun It also requires local law-enforcement agencies to check the backgrounds of people who want to buy handguns. Convicted criminals, minors, drug abusers, and illegal immigrants cannot buy handguns The "Brady Law" is named for Jim Brady, Ronald Reagan's press secretary. Brady was shot when someone tried to kill President Reagan in 1981.

Preamble

Introduction

Alexander Hamilton

Lawyer. Signed the constitution

Federal Powers

Maintain an army and a navy Declare war Coin money Regulate trade between states and foreign nations To make treaties with foreign nations

Robert Morris

Major financier of the Revolution`

James Madison

Most of what we know today about the convention comes from his record of the events. He became a leader at the convention and contributed more to the Constitution than any other delegate. He is known as the "Father of the Constitution.

Ratifying the Constitution

Nine states were needed to ratify the Constitution. Delaware was the first state to ratify. When New Hampshire ratified six months later, the number was brought to nine. The new government still needed the support of Virginia and New York. Those two states had both ratified the Constitution by the end of July 1788. There was a long struggle in Virginia. Ratification was only by a small margin, 89 to 79. George Washington's strong support, along with the support of Madison, finally convinced Virginia to ratify. By 1790, all 13 states had ratified the Constitution.

Signing of the Constitution

On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution and created a new plan of government. Because not all of the delegates were willing to sign the Constitution, the final paragraph was worded carefully. It was written to give the impression of unanimity. "Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present . . ."

Having the States Agree with the Constitution

Once the Constitution was completed, the states had to approve it. Most delegates at the Constitutional Convention had signed the Constitution. These delegates now worked hard to persuade the states to ratify, or approve, it.

What the Constitution Says About War

Only Congress can declare war. However, the Constitution has also made the President commander in chief of the armed forces. Many times in our history, troops have been sent into combat on the President's orders alone.

Congress (law making and things about President)

Only Congress can make laws. It cannot give anyone else the power to do so. It also must approve appointments the President makes. The President and the executive branch see that the laws are carried out. The President can veto bills and appoint officials, including ambassadors and judges.

Phyllis Schlafly

Opposed the ERA. Schlafly received a master's degree in political science from Harvard and a law degree from Washington University in 1978. A political activist, Schlafly thought the ERA would take away certain rights of women. She said women should not serve in the military or work in certain jobs. To defeat the ERA, Schlafly organized the conservative Stop ERA and Eagle Forum groups during the 1970s and 1980s.

Patricia Schroeder

Patricia Schroeder supported the ERA. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she received her law degree from Harvard University. Schroeder was elected as Colorado's first woman in Congress in 1972. She served for 24 years. She thought the Constitution should guarantee certain rights for women such as equal pay, family leave, and adequate healthcare. She believed women should have the same rights as men in the military and in the workforce.

Bill of Rights

Some people did not like the new Constitution because it did not guarantee individual rights. These people, including Thomas Jefferson, agreed to support the Constitution only if a listing of basic rights was added immediately. These amendments were ratified in 1791, less than three years after the Constitution was adopted. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments guarantee basic freedoms to the people. These include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to trial by jury. The Bill of Rights also limits the powers of the federal and state governments. The 4th Amendment protects citizens from having their personal property searched illegally.

Framers

The 55 delegates from 12 states that attended the decided to write a new constitution. Came from different sections of the country. These delegates were known as the Framers of the Constitution. Most had a record of public service and many had fought in the Revolutionary War. Many had also been members of other conventions. Eight had signed the Declaration of Independence. Most of the delegates were a new generation of young men. Missing from the convention were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They were serving as ministers to Europe. Jefferson was in France and Adams in Britain. The delegates worked in secret in the same room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. William Jackson kept a journal, but it was not complete. Most of what we know today comes from James Madison's record of the events. The Framers all agreed the country needed a new national government. They wanted government's power given to it by the people. They also agreed that government should be limited. They wanted separation of powers to allow checks and balances among the branches of government. It was the smaller issues that caused the disagreements among the delegates. The method of choosing a President, the structure of Congress, and the way trade should be handled were all argued. Framers developed the Preamble and articles around six broad ideas, or principles.

Constitution Divides Power of Government

The Constitution divides the power of government into three different branches. This division is called the separation of powers. The Congress is the legislative, or lawmaking, branch. The executive branch (the President) carries out the laws. The judicial branch (the courts) applies the laws made by Congress. The three branches of government have separate duties, but they must all work together

Political Parties Interpret the Constitution

The Constitution makes no mention of political parties. They developed as the country expanded. George Washington and many of the Framers feared that political parties would divide the country. Still, political parties have helped shape the country and the Constitution. The Constitution does not say how candidates for President should be nominated. Political parties have taken this matter into their own hands. Political parties have also changed the electoral college. At first, this group elected the President. Because of the influence of political parties, however, the electoral college today simply reflects each state's popular vote. Congress is organized and conducts business on the basis of party. The President, too, considers political parties when making appointments.

Framers and the Constitution

The Framers followed the principle of federalism in creating these methods. First, amendments are proposed, or suggested, at a national level—either by Congress or at a national convention. Then they are ratified at the state level—either in the state legislatures or by state conventions. Method 1 has been used for all but one of the 27 amendments.

The State of the Union Address

The President is required by the Constitution to periodically address Congress. The method of address is left to each President. George Washington spoke to Congress in person, while Thomas Jefferson wrote his address down. After that, a written address became common practice for 112 years. Woodrow Wilson brought back the speech in 1913. Calvin Coolidge delivered his address on the radio in 1923. Harry Truman's State of the Union was on television in 1947. Today, the State of the Union is televised annually.

Gun Control

The Second Amendment says: "A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Many Americans use guns for hunting and other types of recreation. However, because many people are hurt and killed by guns, others favor gun control laws to ban the sale and use of handguns or to make it more difficult to buy them. The "Brady Law" is named for Jim Brady, Ronald Reagan's press secretary. Brady was shot when someone tried to kill President Reagan in 1981.

Executive Powers in the Constitution

The basic outline of executive powers in the Constitution has been expanded by many of our Presidents. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson did so when he authorized the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the country. Another example of expanded power concerns executive agreements. These agreements between the President and the leader of a foreign country do not have to be approved by Congress. Only treaties must be approved by Congress, according to the Constitution. Recent Presidents have used executive agreements rather than the treaty-making process outlined in the Constitution.

Constitution Outlines ______

The basic principles of government. It explains the organization of the federal government. It tells how the leaders are chosen. The government also must follow certain rules. The Framers wrote these rules and the limits of the government into the Constitution. Knowing about the Constitution will help Americans better understand government and become responsible citizens. The Constitution is a short document. Ten amendments were added soon after the Constitution became effective. Seventeen more have been added since then. The Constitution contains about 7,000 words. The basic principles of this brief document have guided our country successfully for over 200 years.

Three-Fifths Compromise

The compromise said that every five slaves would count the same as three free men This formula was used in fixing the amount of money raised in each state by any tax levied by Congress. In short, the Southerners could count their slaves, but they would have to pay for them. Each slave counted as 3/5 of a person for representation in the House and taxation purposes.

Courts

The court system is made up of the United States Supreme Court and the lower courts. The courts can settle disagreements or disputes brought to them by the government or by any person. The judicial branch tells what the laws mean. The courts also decide whether a law agrees with the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Law of Amendments by State

The formal amendment process reflects the federal character of our government. The national government proposes an amendment, and the state governments ratify it. When state legislatures or ratifying conventions vote, the principle of popular sovereignty is used. The people make the final decision. Some people believe only ratifying conventions, and not state legislatures, should ratify amendments. They say that because convention delegates are usually chosen based on their stand on the amendment, whereas members of the state legislatures are elected for many reasons.

U.S. Ratification Process

The formal amendment process reflects the federal character of our government. The national government proposes an amendment, and the state governments ratify it. When state legislatures or ratifying conventions vote, the principle of popular sovereignty is used. The people make the final decision. Some people believe only ratifying conventions, and not state legislatures, should ratify amendments. They say that because convention delegates are usually chosen based on their stand on the amendment, whereas members of the state legislatures are elected for many reasons.

Limited Government / Constitutionalism

The government possesses only the powers the people give it—and that the government must obey the Constitution. This principle is also known as constitutionalism. Government officials are subject to the rule of law—they must always obey the law and are never above it.

Court Decisions Affect the Constitution

The nation's courts interpret and apply the Constitution in many of the cases they hear. You have already read some examples of how the courts interpret the Constitution. Recall that the Supreme Court established the power of judicial review even though it is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

Foreign Trade Sides

The northern states wanted Congress to control all foreign trade. The southern states sold large amounts of rice and tobacco to foreign countries. They were afraid they would lose this trade if Congress taxed these goods. The northern and southern states also disagreed about slaves. The Southerners worried that Congress would stop the slave trade

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to decide whether or not a government action is constitutional The federal courts, as well as most state courts, have this power. Judicial review is not identified as such in the Constitution. However, it seems clear that the Framers intended for the courts to have this power.

Authority

The power or right to command or make final decisions

Enumerated Powers

The powers of Congress numbered from 1 to 18 in the Constitution The 18 powers of Congress written into the Constitution.

Rule of Law

The principle that government must act according to the law Government must obey the law and conduct business according to the principles of the Constitution. The government and its officers are never above the law. The government is not all-powerful. The people have the power to give authority to the government. The government must follow the principles which have been authorized by the people. Part of limited government

Rule of Law

The principle that government must act according to the law. Under the rule of law, government leaders must act according to the law

Disagreements in the Plans

The two plans did not agree about how the states should be represented in Congress. The delegates had to decide if representation would be by population, by financial contributions, or by state equality. After a lot of debate, the delegates made compromises to solve their problems

Principles of Writing the Constituion

The writers of the Constitution built the new plan on certain principles they felt were necessary for a democratic government. These six principles are popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism

Ratify

To approve

State Powers

To conduct elections To establish schools To regulate business within a state To establish local government To regulate marriages To assume other powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution, nor denied to the state

Shared Powers

To enforce laws To establish courts To borrow money To secure the population To build an infrastructure To collect taxes To make laws

Judicial Branch

To executive branch: May declare executive acts unconstitutional To legislative branch: May declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

Legislative Branch Powers

To judicial branch: May impeach federal judges Creates lower courts To executive branch: May override a President's veto May impeach the President Approves appointments of judges Approves treaties

Executive Branch Powers

To legislative branch: May veto legislation To judicial branch: Appoint Supreme Court justices Appoints other federal judges

Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise

To please both the larger and smaller states. The members of one part of the legislature would be chosen according to population. The other part would have two representatives from each state, no matter how large or small the state was. combined the basic features of the Virginia and New Jersey plans. It called for two houses in Congress. In the smaller Senate, the states would have equal representation. In the larger House, each state would be represented based on its population.

Repealed

To recall or take back

Veto

To reject a proposed law

Interstate Trade

Trading between or connecting two or more states

27th Amendment

Was written by James Madison. It was among the first to be offered by Congress in 1789. This amendment forbids members of Congress from raising their own pay during the same term. It finally became a part of the Constitution in 1992, when the 38th state, Michigan, ratified it.

How are Amendments Proposed

When Congress proposes an amendment, it does not send the amendment to the President. This is because amendments are not laws. The states must ratify an amendment. If a state rejects a proposed amendment, the state may later reverse its decision and ratify the amendment. If a state approves an amendment, however, that decision cannot be changed.

Benjamin Franklin

Writer, inventor, diplomat, legislator, printer

Generalization of the Constitution

Written in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Constitution became the new plan of government for the United States. The Constitution was written in 1787 and took effect in 1789. It explained how the new government should be set up and run. The Constitution has been in use for over 200 years. It has continued to work, even though the country has grown and changed.