Chapter 3 section 2

1) What is the structure of the Constitution?  Briefly describe each section:

A) Preamble – states why the constitution was written. It listed six goals for American government: to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty

B) Seven Articles – the body of the constitution. Each article addresses a different topic. In Articles I, II, and III, they created the three branches – legislative, executive, and judicial – of our government. Article IV describes the relationship of the states and the government. Article V says in what ways the constitution can be amended. Article VI states that the constitution, laws passed by congress, and treaties of the US shall be the supreme law of the nation. Finally, article VII says that the Constitution would take effect after getting the approval of nine states.

C) The Amendments – there are 27 amendments in our constitution. These amendments help keep the constitution updated and fair for our ever-changing country.

2) What are the six major principles of government?  Describe each.

1-popular sovereignty: rule by the people, governmental actions must be OK’d by the citizens whose lives it will effect

2-federalism: power is divided between national and state governments.

3-seperation of powers – limits the central government by dividing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its responsibilities.

4-checks and balances – each branch of government exercises some form of control over the other. For example, congress passes laws. The president can veto this, but congress can override his veto with a 2/3 vote in each house.

5-judicial review – the courts can declare laws and such invalid if they can prove it violates the constitution.

6-limited government – the constitution limits the powers of government. It restricts the actions of government by specifically listing its powers and what it does not have.

3) How does the Constitution divide the powers of the federal government?

It splits it into three branches of equal power that are all specialized on a specific subject.

4) What role do the federal courts play in checking the power of the legislative branch?

They can abolish laws that violate the constitution.

5) Why do you think the Founders provided that the President and Congress be elected but the federal judges to be appointed?

The President and the Congress are more of the people side of the government, whereas the judges are very powerful and can abolish laws that they deem unconstitutional. Because of this, the president and congress must approve of the judicial court and find who they think is worthy, which may not be who the people would elect.