Principles of the Constitution
The "Supreme Law of the Land"
The U.S. Constitution
The number of total representatives in Congress
435
Execute laws
primary job of the Executive Branch
Number of Supreme Court Judges
9
protects citizens from abused by the gov't
Individual Rights
the Constitution must be interpreted in light of the moral, political, and cultural climate of the age/time of interpretation
Living Document
To make laws
The primary job of Congress
The maximum amount of years a President may serve
10 years; 22nd amendment
to interpret laws
main job of the Judicial Branch
Protection from illegal search and seizure
4th Amendment
Divides the functions of the gov't into three branches, each with their own powers and responsibilities
Separation of Powers
Congress approves Presidential appointments
Legislative check on the Executive
President nominates Supreme Court judges
Executive check on Judicial Branch
the official power to make legal decisions and judgments
Jurisdiction
R
A
P
P
S
1st Amendment:
Religion
Assembly
Press
Petition
Speech
The division of power between states and national gov't; national gov't has supreme power
Federalism
President signs bills into law
Executive check on the Legislative Branch
The Supreme Court declares executive actions unconstitutional
Judicial check on the Executive Branch
Criminal Cases (gov't vs individual) & Civil Cases (individual vs. individual)
Types of court cases
8th Amendment
Purpose:
Popular Sovereignty, Limited Government, Separation of Powers, Republicanism, Individual Rights
Protection against Tyranny
Percentage of votes needed in Congress to override a President's veto
2/3 or 66%
Role:
1. General Charge of Foreign Policy
2. Negotiates Treaties
3. Appoints Ambassadors
4. Recognizes Foreign Governments
Role: Chief Diplomat
Plaintiff
Defendant
Litigants in a court case
5th- not witness against oneself
6th-Fair & Speedy Trial
7th-Civil Trial
8th- protection against cruel and unusual punishment
Rights of the Accused