Chapter 9 The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

"Establish Justice"

Americans wanted to be ruled by laws, not by the might of soldiers or the decisions of kings.

Amendment to the Constitution

Can be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

U.S. Population

Can directly participate in government by joining interest groups, participating in elections and belonging to political parties.

Congress

Can propose an amendment to the Constitution.

Powers of the National Government

Coin money, set up a postal system, maintain military forces, declare war, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, regulate immigration, negotiate treaties with foreign countries

Powers of State Government

Conduct elections, establish local governments, establish schools, regulate marriage, divorce and adoption, regulate intrastate commerce, provide fire and police protection, enact license requirements.

2 senators

Each state must have this to balance the rights of large and small states.

Legislative Branch consists of

House of Representatives and Senate, "Congress".

Advantages to having states share a common market

It creates a single national economy, a large business can be located in several states, goods and resources can move more easily across the country.

"Insure Domestic Tranquility"

Maintain peace and order within the country.

Executive Branch

Negotiates treaties, carries out laws, and nominates federal judges.

Congress checks the power of the president by

Overriding the president's veto, approving presidential appointments, impeaching the president.

Shared by State and National Governments

Raising taxes, guarantee civil rights and liberties, provide for public safety, protect public health, establish courts, punish lawbreakers, borrow money, construct and maintain roads

The Supreme Court prevents the president and Congress from abusing their power by

Rejecting laws or treaties deemed unconstitutional.

Majority Rule

The Constitution establishes this principle so decisions represent what most of the people want.

Living Document

The U.S. Constitution is called this because it has changed with time.

Federalism

The constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments.

"Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity"

The delegates meant the generations that would come after them. They wanted the government to protect the freedoms gained in the American Revolution and preserve them for Americans to enjoy in the future.

"We, the People"

The delegates started the Preamble to the Constitution to state that government power comes from the people.

national bill

The final step before it becomes a law is it's signed by the president.

"Promote the general Welfare"

The government could support an economy and a society in which people could prosper.

Judicial Review

The name that is given to the Supreme Court's power to declare a law unconstitutional.

"Provide for the common defence"

The national government would be responsible for protecting the nation against foreign enemies.

Head of Executive Branch

The president.

Checks and Balances

The purpose is to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Congresses primary job

To make laws for the country.

Judicial Branch

To resolve disputes under the law.

The president balances the power of Congress by

Vetoing bills passed by Congress, calling special sessions of Congress, Recommending legislation.

Judicial Branch consists of

federal courts and judges.