The US Constitution
Directions: Use the Constitution to complete the following activity.
The Preamble – the introduction to the Constitution.
The Preamble list several reasons why the Constitution was written. They are
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In order to form a stronger federal government
Establishing laws to ensure peace at home.
Create a national army.
Looking out for people’s well being and secure our freedoms.
for ourselves and the future (a long lasting government).
Article 1: The Legislative Branch
Major function of branch: Make laws.
Describe how Congress is a bicameral branch Made up of 2 parts. The House of Representatives and the
Senate. VA Plan & NJ Plan = The Great Compromise.
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House of Representatives
Total membership:
435
Determined by a state’s:
Population
Term length:
2 Years
Qualifications:
25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years
Presiding Officer:
Speaker of the House
Role in impeachment:
Formally accuse/impeach
What is a census and why is it necessary every ten years?
It is the count of the nation’s population; it determines how many members of the House.
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Senate
Total membership:
Determined by:
Term length:
Qualifications:
Presiding Officer:
Role in Impeachment:
Role in treaty making:
100
Equal – 2 per state
6 years
Over 30, U.S. citizen for 9 years
Vice President
Trial Court – Removal (?)
Approve treaties
- Name specific powers of both parts of Congress listed in the Constitution
Declare War
Appropriate money
Presidential election duties
Regulate trade
Pass laws
Coin money
- Discuss Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (the elastic clause)
Congress can make “necessary and proper” laws for carrying out the business of the country.
Article 2: The Executive Branch
Major function of branch:
Enforce /Carry out laws
Head of Branch:
Elected by:
Term length:
Term limit:
Second in command:
Additional branch parts:
President
Electoral College
4 Years
2 Terms (22nd Amendment)
Vice President
Cabinet
Bureaucracy (federal agencies)
Qualifications to be President: 35 years old
Natural born citizen/ 14 year resident
Roles of the President: Chief Executive
(define each)
Commander in Chief
Chief of State
Chief diplomat
Chief of Party
Chief of Legislature
_________________________________________
Powers of the President:
Duties of the President:
Control army
veto laws
Grant pardons
negotiate treaties
Appoint federal judges
State of the Union Address
________________________________________
How does the Electoral College work?
Popular vote – people vote (Nov.) Electoral College – Electoral College vote (Dec.)
 People vote for electors who then vote for the president
House + Senate = Electoral Vote
435 + 100 = 535 + 3 (D.C.) = 538 (270 wins)
What is the difference between the popular vote and electoral vote?
The popular vote is the people’s vote – the Electoral College is the electors.
What are some of the criticism of the Electoral College?
You could win the popular vote but still lose the election.
Article III: The Judicial Branch
Function of Branch:
-
Interpret/explain laws
The Supreme Court
Judges appointed by:
Judges approved by:
Number of judges:
Term lengths:
President
Senate
9
Life
What is the power of Judicial Review?
The power to declare laws “unconstitutional”
 Part of the “unwritten constitution”
 Established in Marbury vs. Madison (1803 – Chief Justice John Marshall)
Article IV: Relations Among the States
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Explain Section 1: “full faith and credit.”
 Each state has credit with the federal government.
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What is meaning of Section 2: Extradition?
 Suspected criminals will be transferred back to the state of the crime.
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Explain Section 4: Protection Afforded to States by the Nation.
 An attack on the states is an attack on the nation.
o Common military
Article V: Provisions for Amendment
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Explain the purpose and significance of Article V.
 To be able to add or change the Constitution.
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In what ways can the Constitution be amended?
 4 ways summarized into 1
o 2/3 of Congress (House & Senate) and ¾ of the states.
o Very difficult to get an amendment passed.
14th Amendment – everyone is equal under the law
Article VI: National Debts, Supremacy of Law, Oath
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Describe Section 1 “validity of debts.”
 U.S. Government paid off state debts
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How does section 2 the Supremacy Clause demonstrate that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land?
 Federal law v. State law – Federal law comes before state law.
 Treaties must be honored.
Article VII: Ratification of the Constitution
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How many state votes were required to ratify the Constitution?

9 votes
The Bill of Rights
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Define Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
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Why was the Bill of Rights added on to the Constitution?

Served as a written guarantee against abuses of power from the new Federal Government.
Amendment #1:
Amendment #2:
Amendment #3:
Amendment #4:
Amendment #5:
Amendment #6:
Amendment #7:
Amendment #8:
Amendment #9:
Amendment #10:
Free speech, press, religion, assembly.
The right to bear arms.
Protection from quartering of troops.
Protection from unlawful search and seizure.
Rights of accused – “self-incrimination” and “double jeopardy”.
Right to counsel (attorney) / speedy trial.
Right to a jury trial.
Protects from cruel and unusual punishment.
Other powers for the people.
Other powers for the state/powers not listed.