1. “We the People of the United States, in
order to form a more perfect Union, establish
justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide
for the common defense, promote the
general welfare, and secure the blessings of
liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do
ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.”

2.  Form a more perfect Union
 Establish justice
 Insure domestic tranquility
 Provide for the common defense
 Promote general welfare
 Guarantee liberty for ourselves + our
posterity

3.  To correct the weaknesses of the Articles of
Confederation
 Ready to frame a new government
Opposing views
Government with authority
or
Protect individual rights

4.  Issues
 Large & small states
 North & South
 Strong national government versus states’ rights

5. CONNECTICUT
 Representation in Congress
 Bicameral legislature
SENATE Equal representation
HOUSE State’s population
(census every 10 years)

6.  Slavery and power
 Representation
 Taxes

7.  9 out of 13 must approve
 Held conventions in each state
 “The Great Debate”

8. Alexander Thomas
Hamilton Jefferson

9.  Elastic Clause
 Congress can make all laws “necessary and
proper”
 Stretches to fit changing circumstances
 example: minimum wage
 Amendment Process
 Changes
 Both Congress and the states must approve
 Judicial Interpretation
 Courts review cases

10.  Popular Sovereignty
 Source of all power to govern is the people
 Limited Government
 Powers are defined
 Legal limits
 Separation of powers
 Legislative, executive, judicial
 Checks and Balances
 Prevents too much power in any one branch

11.  Legislative Branch
 Makes laws for the nation.
 Executive Branch
 Provides leadership and enforces laws.
 Judicial Branch
 Explains and interprets laws.

13.  Bicameral – Two houses
 Senate
 House of Representatives

14.  Electing the president
 Electoral college
 Powers and duties

16.  Voters cast ballots for  AGAINST
 “winner-take-all”
electors  Electoral vote versus popular
 Electors cast ballots for vote
President + VP  Electors not bound by law to
 if candidate wins vote for winning candidate
 FOR
majority of votes in a  Amendment to Constitution
state he/she get all the  Small states would lose over-
electors representation
 large states have more
 Threat to two-party system
electors so candidates
focus on these states

17.  Two court system – FEDERAL & STATE
 National court system
 Each state has its own
 Federal – Judicial Review
 Interpretation of the Constitution

18.  “It is our true policy to steer clear of
permanent alliances with any portion of the
foreign world…”
- Washington’s Farewell Address,
September 17, 1796
 Neutrality

19.  1803 Marbury v Madison established the right
of Supreme Court to interpret laws passed by
Congress
 John Marshall- Chief Justice of Supreme
Court (Federalist) who increased power of
court

20.  Traditions that are accepted but not always
part of Constitution
 Cabinet- group of advisors to President
 Two-term Presidency- established by
Washington only became part of Constitution
after FDR
 political parties- organized around common
ideas these are not required by Constitution

21. Attempt to influence laws legislation

22. Process for making a change to the
Constitution
Between 1795- 2002 only 27 amendments
to Constitution

23.  To protect individuals and states against too
much government power
 Civil liberties
 Example: Second Amendment, Right to Bear
Arms (Right To Own a Gun)