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In 1787, delegates from the states met in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. This meeting was called to revise the Articles of Confederation, but the delegates realized they should abandon the Articles and draft a new set of laws. They debated and compromised on making a stronger government.

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The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce, and controls taxing and spending policies.

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The executive branch is all about enforcing laws. It's headed by the President, who acts as the commander-in-chief, makes treaties, and appoints federal officials, The Vice President and the President's Cabinet work together to implement and enforce laws passed by Congress.

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The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It evaluates laws by: Interpreting the meaning of laws. Applying laws to individual cases. Deciding if laws violate the Constitution.

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The Fifth Amendment protects against self-testimony, allowing citizens to not testify in court if it will incriminate them. The 14th Amendment forbids states to make laws that would jeopardize the rights of citizens, keeping everyone safe in the U.S. because they won't be afraid to lose citizenship.

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Checks and balances: the separation of power to avoid one entity or body wielding too much power

1. The Executive branch can check the legislative branch by vetoing laws.

2. The judicial branch can check the legislative and executive branches by declaring laws unconstitutional.

3. The legislative branch can check the executive branch by passing laws over the veto by 2/3 votes in each house.

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Federalism creates a balance of power between the state and federal governments, allowing them to operate independently and collaboratively.

Federal power - regulating interstate commerce

State power - overseeing education

Shared - make and enforce laws

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An agreement in 1787 addressed how enslaved people would be counted when determining state population for legislative representation and taxation purposes. The compromise decided that three out of every five enslaved people would be counted as part of the population. This was significant because states with a large enslaved population wanted enslaved people to be fully counted to increase their political power. However, states with smaller enslaved populations opposed this because it would give southern states more influence.

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Roe v. Wade (1973)

The court discussed women's right to terminate pregnancy. This results in being given control over the first trimester then states have decisions for 2nd and 3rd. Women challenged Texas law banning most abortions. This is important because the topic of abortion is always changing.

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One ongoing challenge is civil rights. Over the years, amendments have had to be interpreted and enforced to ensure equality for everyone.

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One strength of the Constitution is its ability to amend the documents, allowing it to change societal values, and ensure it stays relevant.

One weakness of the Constitution is that people can interpret it differently creating conflicts in how laws are applied.

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One failure of the Constitution is the promise to help racial equality.

The Constitution offers faith to our community and keeps everyone safe and equal.