Development of the Unwritten Constitution Americas First President

Development of the Unwritten Constitution

America’s First President o George Washington served two terms as president (1789 -1797) o Made decisions and policies that influenced the nature of U. S. government o Under his presidency, an unwritten constitution developed in response to changing times and circumstances.

What is “unwritten constitution? ” o Definition: the collection of procedures adopted by our government that are solely acted upon out of tradition and custom. o Procedures are not directed by the U. S. Constitution!

The Presidential Cabinet o Definition: an informal meeting of the president’s advisors o Advisors give advice to the president when developing foreign and domestic policy. o Early presidents consulted with congressional leaders, but more often than not, cabinet members are the heads of executive departments.

Who is in a President’s Cabinet? o Washington appointed: n n Secretary of the Treasury – manage finances Secretary of the State – foreign affairs Secretary of War – military matters Attorney General – chief lawyer of the federal government

Lobbying o Definition: Actions by people representing special interest groups for the purpose of influencing legislation o Protected by the First Amendment’s right to petition, but also regulated by federal law

Loose vs. Strict Interpretation o Strict: favors a narrow interpretation of the constitution n Government can only do the things that the document says it can do o Loose: favors a “free reading of the constitution, giving the government room to act”

Judicial Review o Definition: the power for the judicial branch to declare laws “unconstitutional” o “Unconstitutional: ” laws that go against the fundamentals of the constitution