Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
• July 4, 1776
• Declared our independence from England
• Basic Parts:
– Rights and Freedoms People Should Have
– List of Complaints against King George III
– Declaration of Independence
– Signatures
• Why important?
Articles of Confederation
• 1781 - 1788
• 1st plan of govt. for the U.S.
• Confederation = Loose alliance of
Independent States!
-Feared a strong national govt. b/c of
experience with England  States had most of the
power!
• One part = National Legislature
• Make laws but no way to enforce!
• No one listened to them!
U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution
• 1789
• Decided to start over and create a new plan of
govt.
• Constitution = Written Plan of Govt.
• Main parts:
– Preamble = Goals of Govt.
– Articles = Structure of Govt.
– Amendments = Changes to the Constitution
U.S. Constitution
• Articles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Legislative Branch = Makes the laws
Executive Branch = Enforce the laws
Judicial Branch = Interpret the laws
States’ Powers
Amendment Procedures
Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
Ratification/Approval Procedures
U.S. Constitution
• Amendments = Changes
• 27 Total
• Amendments 1-10 = Bill of Rights
– Added together to ensure individual rights
– Had to be added so States would approve of the
Constitution