U.S. Constitution Overview (1787-1791)

U.S. Constitution (1787-1791)

• The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document of the U.S. government.
• It outlines the structure and powers of the three branches of government.
• It defines the relationship between the federal and state governments.
• The Constitution was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
• The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) was added in 1791 to protect individual liberties.

Articles of the U.S. Constitution

• Article I: Legislative Branch (Congress).
  • Establishes Congress made up of the Senate and House of Representatives.
  • Grants Congress powers to make laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and collect taxes.
  • Defines the process for lawmaking and qualifications for representatives/senators.
• Article II: Executive Branch (President).
  • Establishes the presidency and outlines presidential powers/responsibilities.
  • President is Commander-in-Chief, conducts foreign affairs, negotiates treaties (Senate approval), and enforces laws.
  • Can veto laws, appoint judges, and grant pardons.
• Article III: Judicial Branch (Courts).
  • Establishes the Supreme Court and lower courts.
  • Outlines judicial powers, including interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
  • Judges have lifetime appointments.
• Article IV: The States.
  • Outlines the relationship between states and federal government, respecting each other's laws, and addressing new state admission.
• Article V: Amendments.
  • Specifies the process for amending the Constitution (2/3 majority of Congress OR convention, 3/4 of states approval).
• Article VI: The Supremacy Clause.
  • Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
  • Requires oaths of office and no religious tests for holders of offices.
• Article VII: Ratification.
  • Details the ratification process (approval from 9 states required).

Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)

• Amendment I: Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.
• Amendment II: Right to keep and bear arms.
• Amendment III: Protection from quartering of soldiers.
• Amendment IV: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
• Amendment V: Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process/eminent domain.
• Amendment VI: Right to a speedy trial, impartial jury, and legal counsel.
• Amendment VII: Right to a trial by jury in civil cases.
• Amendment VIII: Protection from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.
• Amendment IX: Rights not specifically listed are still protected.
• Amendment X: Powers not given to the federal government belong to states or the people.

Office Requirements

• President: At least 35 years old, natural-born citizen, lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. Two-term limit.
• Vice President: Same requirements as president.
• Cabinet Members: Appointed by the president, Senate approval.
• House of Representatives: At least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, resident of the state. Two-year terms.
• Senate: At least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, resident of the state. Six-year terms.

Branch Powers/Responsibilities

• Legislative (Congress): Makes laws, declares war, overrides vetoes, impeachment power, approves treaties/appointments.
• Executive (President): Enforces laws, vetoes, Commander-in-Chief, appoints judges/Cabinet, negotiates treaties, grants pardons.
• Judicial (Courts): Interprets laws, declares laws unconstitutional (judicial review), resolves disputes.

Checks and Balances

• Each branch has some measure of influence over the others; no one branch is too powerful.
• Legislative checks on Executive: override vetoes, impeach.
• Executive checks on Legislative: veto power.
• Judicial checks on Executive and Legislative: declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalism

• Division of power between federal and state governments.
• Federal Powers: declare war, regulate commerce, military.
• State Powers: education, elections, local governments.
• Shared Powers: taxation, law enforcement, courts.

Articles of Confederation

• First U.S. governing document (1781).
• Weak central government, most power to states.
• Key weaknesses: No power to tax, no executive branch, no national judiciary, etc.

Constitution vs. Articles of Confederation

• Constitution: Stronger central government, defined legislative (bicameral), executive (president), and judicial branches, power to tax, stronger amendment process.
• Articles: Weak central government, unicameral legislature, no executive/judicial branch, unanimous consent needed for amendments.

Branch Leaders/Numbers

• Legislative: Senate (100 senators), House of Representatives (435 members), led by the Vice President and Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House.
• Executive: President (1), Vice President (1), Cabinet (various members).
• Judicial: Supreme Court (9 justices), Chief Justice, lower courts (many judges).

Important Events (1787-1791)

• 1787: Constitutional Convention
• 1788: Constitution ratified (New Hampshire)
• 1789: Judiciary Act established federal judiciary
• 1790: First Census
• 1791: Bill of Rights ratified.

Explore the fundamental aspects of the U.S. Constitution, including its structure, powers of government branches, and significant amendments. This quiz covers key articles that establish the legislative and executive branches, providing insight into the Constitution's role in American governance.