Aim How does the U S government work

Aim: How does the U. S. government work? Do Now: Copy Vocabulary Below: Federalism: the balancing of power between a Federal Government and State Governments. Within this system the Federal Government is superior to the State Governments Delegated Powers (Enumerated) - those powers specifically assigned to the Federal Government Reserved Powers - all powers not specifically delegated the Federal Government are to be reserved or saved for the State Governments. Concurrent Powers - are those powers that both the federal and state governments have at the same time. (tax) **Implied Powers - These are powers that are NOT specifically delegated in the Constitution, but are understood to be necessary or allowed.

Read and Complete Handout No. 1: The Federal System. Under federalism, the federal (central) government shares powers with the state governments. The Constitution spells out the division of powers. The Federal governments powers may either be delegated (specifically mentioned). Implied (indirectly indicated), or concurrent (shared). The powers of the state governments may either be concurrent or reserved (for exclusive use of those governments). 1. Who seems to be winning the tug-of-war? 2. On whose team are “Implied Powers” and “Delegated Powers”? Why? 3. Why is “Concurrent Powers” on both teams? 4. What is the main idea of the cartoon? 5. Do you agree with the cartoonist’s point of view? Why or why not?

Quick Review The Articles of Confederation failed because the Feds were too weak. The Framers meet at the Constitutional Articles of Confederation. Convention in 1787 to fix the The Federalists and Anti-Federalist argued. The Federalists wanted a strong CENTRAL government and the Anti-Federalists wanted a strong STATE government. After fierce debate, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. This appeased the Anti-Federalists and in 1791, the Constitution was (approved). ratified The new (and approved) Constitution changed how the U. S. Governments worked in two very important ways. 1) It had a Bill of Rights that protected the people’s individual rights and freedoms from potential tyranny. 2) It set up a new form of government based on the principle of Federalism.

Workshop I: Understanding Federalism 1) Read: Federalism and the System of Checks and Balances 2) Complete your Venn Diagrams by placing the Government powers below under the correct heading (Enumerated Powers, Reserved Powers or Concurrent Powers).

Separation of Powers = The powers of our federal (national) government are divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The branches are separate but equal. They each have special responsibilities concerning laws, the principles that govern our nation. This is called Checks and Balances

Congress: Senate (100 members) and the House of Representatives (435 members) ** Makes Laws ** · Creates and passes bills (proposed laws) · Approves appointments and treaties (agreements) made by the President · Sets and collects taxes · Coins money ·Makes rules for trade between states ·Responsible for the impeachment process ·Declares war The President, Vice President, 14 Cabinet members (heads of 14 executive departments) Judicial Branch (Supreme Court ) The Supreme Court (9 justices) and the Lower federal courts ** Carries Out (Executes) Laws · Signs into law or vetoes (rejects) bills passed by Congress · Commands the armed forces · Appoints judges, ambassadors, and other federal officials · Makes treaties with other countries · Receives diplomats from other countries ·Represents the U. S. at special ceremonies ** Interprets Laws ** · Can decide if a law is constitutional · Can decide if a Presidential action is constitutional · Reviews court cases related to the Constitution and federal laws ·Reviews cases tried in lower courts

Quick Quiz: Did Congress possess the Power to Impeach President Clinton after the Monica Lewinski Scandal? Congress = The Legislative Branch (House of Representatives and the Senate)