Download A Constitutional Democracy

A Constitutional
Democracy
Law of the Land
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U.S. law is based on the United States
Constitution.
It has been the foundation for all laws in
the United States for more than 200 years.
Supreme Court decides if laws are in
agreement with the constitution.
Forming a New Government
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American colonists did not have many rights
under the British government
After gaining independence they created the
constitution in 1783.
They wanted to give rights to the people and
make sure the government did not interfere with
the people.
The constitution defines the rights and roles of
citizens and limits the power of the government.
Limited and Unlimited
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Limited Government- they do not have
absolute power.
Unlimited Government-have almost
complete power.
Constitution Grows and Changes
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Constitution went into effect in 1789.
One reason many states approved it was
because of the promise of a Bill of Rights.
1791 the states adopted 10 constitutional
amendments.
Amendment is a change or addition to the
constitution.
Bill of Rights lists specific freedoms for
every U.S. citizen.
Continued
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Some of the Bill of Rights are freedom of
speech and religion, right to a fair trial,
and right to gather peaceably.
27 amendments have been adopted.
Other amendments include; ending
slavery, gave women the right to vote,
limited president to two terms.
Limiting Powers of Government
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To limit government and preserve state’s
rights they created a federal system.
In this system power is divided between
the National Government and the State
Governments.
Federal Government is headed by the
President.
Federal and State Government
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Powers of the Federal Government
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Establish army, waging war, raising money
through taxes, making laws to carry out its
duties.
All other duties are carried out by the
states.
Checks and Balances
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3 branches share the powers of the U.S.
Government.
Each branch makes sure the other
branches are not too powerful.
The process by which a bill or law is
created shows this power.
3 Branches
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Constitution created 3 groups.
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Executive (President)
Legislative (Congress)
Judicial (Supreme Court)
Executive
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President
Enforces laws, serves as commander in
chief of the armed forces, conducts
foreign affairs.
Vice-President
14 executive departments.
Legislative
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Congress is made up of two houses.
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Senate and House of Representatives.
2 senators are elected from each of the 50
states.
The house has 435 members, elected
from each state according to its
population.
Judicial
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System of federal courts
Makes sure all laws and treaties are
constitutional, or agree with the
constitution.
The highest court is the Supreme Court.
It has 9 justices, or judges nominated by
the President and approved by the Senate.
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