Basic Constitutional Principles Basic Constitutional Principles 1789 Present

Basic Constitutional Principles

Basic Constitutional Principles • • 1789 -Present Our Plan of Government Limits power by: Creating 3 Separate branches, each w/job Each branch “checks” the other 2 so no branch gets too powerful Created a Federal System in which-(Federalism) National Government has certain powers. Declare War-Coin $$$-Delegated Powers State Governments have certain powers-Schools and Licenses-Reserved Powers Both Levels share powers-Tax-Concurrent Powers

Basic Constitutional Principles • Can be Amended/Changed • 27 Total First 10 Bill of Rights-1791 • 2/3 of Congress + ¾ of States must agree to amendment. • Republic/Representative Government • National Government is Supreme to State Governments

Basic Constitutional Principles • Separation of Powers: Constitution set up a gov’t divided into 3 branch • With 3 branches one person or group would be prevented from becoming too powerful

Basic Constitutional Principles • Power to make laws • Must approve treaties and presidential appointments • Decides how much money will be used and collected

Basic Constitutional Principles • Enforces the law • Makes treaties • Carries out foreign policy • Suggests needed laws • Runs executive depts • Suggests budgets • Appoints judges and Cabinet members

Basic Constitutional Principles • Interprets the law • Decides meanings of the law • Determines if laws are constitutional • Determines if actions of the President are constitutional • Presides over Impeachment trial

Basic Constitutional Principles • Checks and Balances – Each branch will “check” the others and make sure that power is “balanced” between the 3

Basic Constitutional Principles • • Congress: Enacts taxes, authorizes borrowing, and sets the budget Has sole power to declare war May start investigations, especially against the executive branch • The Senate considers presidential appointments of judges and executive department heads • The Senate ratifies treaties • The House of Representatives may impeach, and the Senate may remove, executive and judicial officers

Basic Constitutional Principles • President • May veto laws • Executive orders • Appoints judges and executive department heads • Has power to grant pardons to convicted persons, except in cases of impeachment

Basic Constitutional Principles • Supreme Court • Determines which laws Congress intended to apply to any given case • Determines whether a law is unconstitutional • Determines how Congress meant the law to apply to disputes • Determines how laws should be interpreted • Judges remain subject to impeachment and removal by Congress • Chief Justice will preside over Impeachment Trial