The Constitution
The U.S. Constitution establishes three branches of government, each with distinct powers and responsibilities. The Legislative Branch (Article One) makes laws, declares war, and controls the budget. The Executive Branch (Article Two), led by the President, enforces laws and commands the armed forces. The Judicial Branch (Article Three) interprets laws and ensures their constitutionality. Key concepts include the Elastic Clause, Full Faith and Credit Clause, and the powers and checks of each branch, creating a balanced and functioning government.
The Constitution
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Presentation Transcript
The Constitution Three Branches of Government
The Constitution • The Constitution is divided into Articles. • Each Article defines the specific duties of a different part of government. • Preamble: Statement of purpose • Article One: Legislative Power • Article Two: Executive power • Article Three: Judicial power • Article Four: States' powers and limits • Article Five: Amendments • Article Six: Federal power • Article Seven: Ratification
The Constitution • Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper) • In Article One, give Congress the ability to make any law that they feel is needed to carry out the principle of the Constitution • Full Faith and Credit Clause • In Article Four, States must recognize and carry out laws implemented by other states.
Three Branches of Government • Article One-Legislative Branch • Makes the laws • Article Two-Executive Branch • Enforces and carries out the laws • Article Three-Judicial Branch • Interprets the laws
Article 1- Legislative • People • House of Reps. and Senate • Powers • Makes laws • Declares war • Controls the budget • Checks • Approves or disapproves treaties • Approves or disapprove of the President’s appointments • May overrule the decisions of the courts by proposing constitutional amendments • May override the President’s veto • May remove a President from office if he or she is found guilty of wrongdoing(impeachment)
Article 2- Executive • People • President, Vice President, The Cabinet (15 Cabinet Secretaries) • Powers • Sees that the laws are obeyed • Is the commander in chief of the armed forces • Approves laws • Appoints government leaders • Pardons people convicted of federal crimes • Checks • May veto laws passed by Congress • Appoints federal judges • May call a special session of Congress
Article 3- Judicial • People • Supreme Court- 9 Supreme Court Justices, 1 Chief Justice, 8 Associate Justices • Powers • Explain the meaning of laws • Decide whether laws or government actions agree with the Constitution • Checks • May declare the President’s actions unconstitutional • May declare laws unconstitutional