Chapter 3 notes

Section 1, Chapter 3 Ideals of the Constitution 

Influences  The Pilgrims: Wrote the Mayflower Compact to create a new government based on the consent of the people  (Popular sovereignty)

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Preamble  Introduction of the Constitution  Goals of the Constitution:  to form a more perfect union  establish justice  insure domestic tranquility  provide for the common defense  promote the general welfare  secure the blessings of liberty

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The Constitution  Preamble (intro)  7 Articles  Article I Legislative Branch (makes laws)  Article II Executive Branch (enforces laws)  Article III Judicial Branch (interprets laws)  27 Amendments  1-10 Bill of Rights

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Representative Democracy  Based on the consent of the people  Elect representatives/send letters  Majority rules- a system in which the decision of more than half the people is accepted by all, but minority free to express views

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A Federal System  Powers divided between the national and state governments (Chart pg. 73)  Delegated powers-powers given to the federal government  Reserved powers-powers to the states 

Concurrent powers-powers shared to federal and state governments

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U.S. Constitution and the laws of the federal government shall be “the supreme law of the land.” Limited Government- a gov’t with defined restrictions to its power Bill of Rights-protects the powers of the people

Section 2, Chapter 3 Three Branches of Gov. 

Legislative Branch  

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Article I Congress- makes the laws House of Representatives and Senate

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Executive Branch  

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Article II Enforces, executes, or carries out the laws Headed by President

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Judicial Branch  

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Article III Interprets laws and punish lawbreakers Supreme Court

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Checks and Balances 

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To ensure that no branch of federal gov’t becomes too powerful. Each branch has powers that check, or limit, the other branches.

Section 3, Chapter 3 A flexible document 

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Constitution is flexible (adapts to a growing/changing nation) 3 ways it can be adapted to changing needs:  

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Amendments Interpretation (Supreme Court) Customs (Cabinet/terms)

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The Amendment Process  

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Article V Amendment- a written change made to the Constitution Proposed 

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By Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses or By a national convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 (34) of the State legislatures

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Ratified 

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By the state legislatures of 3/4 (38) of the States By conventions held in 3/4 of the states