The government derives its power from the consent from those who are governed. This signifies that the authority of the government is created and managed by the people.

Limited Government -

The government only has the power that the Constitution grants it. This principle protects individual rights and prevents abuse from the government.

Separation of Powers -

The government is divided into three branches Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each with distinct functions and powers. This creates a system of checks and balances.

Checks and Balances -

Each branch of government can check the powers of the others to help prevent any of the branches from becoming too powerful.

Judicial Review -

The courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or even executive actions that violate it.

Federalism -

A system where the power is divided between a central (federal) government and individual states. This helps by allowing a balance of power. It enables states to govern themselves. It still helps them be a part of a larger national framework.

Federalism Information:

Federalism is crucial in the U.S. Constitution because it allows states to have access to significant powers and responsibilities. The Tenth Amendment emphasizes that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states. This principle was a compromise between those favoring a strong central government and those advocating for states' rights.

Goals of the Document:

To form a more perfect union.

Establish Justice.

Insure domestic tranquility.

Provide for the common defense.

Promote the general Welfare.

Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

ARTICLES:

Article I: Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress), its powers, structure (House of Representatives and Senate), and the process for making laws.

Article II: Creates the Executive Branch. Explains the powers and responsibilities of the President. Includes the administration of federal laws and command of the military.

Article III: Establishes the Judicial Branch. Outlines the powers of federal courts and the Supreme Court. Addresses the jurisdiction of federal laws.

Article IV: Addresses the relationships between states and the federal government. Includes full faith and credit, privileges and immunities, and the admission of new states.

Article V: Provides the process for amending the Constitution. Requires a supermajority in Congress or state conventions.

Article VI: Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Requires an oath of office for all officials and prohibits religious tests for officeholders.

Article VII: Outlines the procedure for ratification of the Constitution. Requires approval from nine states.

Second Amendment: The second amendment helps protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment: The third amendment helps prohibit the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.

Fourth Amendment: The fourth amendment helps protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. It requires a warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Fifth Amendment: The fifth amendment helps protect against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. Guarantee due process and compensation for the taking of private property.

Sixth Amendment: The sixth amendment helps ensure the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to counsel.

Seventh Amendment: The seventh amendment helps guarantee the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment: The eighth amendment helps prohibit excessive bail, fines, and cruel & unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment: The ninth amendment helps clarify that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny/disparage others retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment: The tenth amendment helps prohibit that the powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.

Rest of the Amendments:

11th Amendment: The 11th amendment helps limit the suits against states.

12th Amendment: The 12th amendment helps modify the electoral process for the President and the Vice President.

13th Amendment: The 13th amendment helped abolish slavery and involuntary servitude.

14th Amendment: The 14th amendment helps citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the U.S. and provides equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment: The 15th amendment helps prohibit the denial of the right to vote based on race.

16th Amendment: The 16th Amendment helps authorize the federal government to impose an income tax.

17th Amendment: The 17th amendment helps establish the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.

18th Amendment: The 18th amendment helps prohibit the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol which was later repealed.

19th Amendment: The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote.

20th Amendment: The 20th amendment changes the dates for the start of presidential terms. It also applies to congressional terms.

21st Amendment: The 21st amendment helped repeal the 18th amendment. Which legalized alcohol.

22nd Amendment: The 22nd amendment helped limit presidential terms for about 2 terms being the max.

23rd Amendment: The 23rd amendment helped grant Washington D.C. electors in the Electoral College.

24th Amendment: The 24th amendment helps prohibit poll taxes in federal elections

25th Amendment: The 25th amendment helps establish procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment: The 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment: The 27th amendment delays congressional pay increases until after the next election.

Week 10 Democracy Basics HW