The Constitution
James Madison thought that the Articles of Confederation were too weak to hold the country together. It gave the states too much power. He is the main
author of The Constitution which is the plan for how our federal government separates powers of government and protects rights of citizens.
Highest law in the country.
Articles = body of the Constitution
establishes branched of governments and what government can and cannot do
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branches
states
gives powers to states
legislative
Congress
House of Representative
Senate
MAKES THE LAWS
elected by voters
limited terms
executive
President
MAKES SURE THE LAWS ARE
FOLLOWED
elected by voters
limited terms
Electoral College
judicial
Supreme Court
judges
MAKES SURE THE LAWS ARE
CONSTITUTIONAL
appointed by President
life terms
Amendments
Changes
First 10 Amendments are called The Bill of Rights
defines rights of citizens
defines how state joins US