pt 1-1
supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures who believed a strong central government could protect freedom.
Federalists
Opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption, because it had not bill of rights.
Anti-Federalists
Establishes the Legislative Branch to make laws
Article I
establishes the executive branch to carry out laws passed by Congress
Article II
Money raised to provide services for the common good of the community/country
Taxation
A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution.
Federalist Papers
All states should work together as a unified nation
To form a more perfect union
*Constitution stipulates they must be 30 years old
*Must be a citizen of the U.S. for at least 9 years
*Must live in the state they represent
*Must be elected every 6 years
Qualifications for Senators
*25 years old
*Citizen for 7 years
*Lives in the State they are representing (NOT district)
*Must be elected every 2 years
Qualifications for Representatives
435 members, with each state's representation based on its population
The House
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Checks and Balances
The Constitution is supreme and all individuals are accountable to it, even those who govern.
Rule of Law
Power to tax, borrow & coin money, regulate foreign & interstate commerce, establish army, declare war, make all laws necessary & proper for carrying out the enumerated powers (elastic clause)
Congress' Enumerated Powers
a candidate must receive a majority of electoral votes, cast by electors chosen by state legislatures.
Election of President
Oversee the Executive Office and the Cabinet, Enforce laws that have been passed, Issue executive orders, appoint and remove officials, make treaties and executive agreements, command the military.
President's Powers
2/3 vote by each house of Congress or 2/3 of the state legislatures at a national convention.
Amendment proposal
¾ vote by each house of Congress or ¾ state conventions at a national convention.
Amendment Ratification
Establishes the Supreme Court and give it ultimate judicial power in the United States.
Article III
Supreme Court hears cases first that involve ambassadors, public ministers, and states.
original jurisdiction
May interpret laws, may declare laws unconstitutional. May interpret treaties, may declare executive acts unconstitutional
Checks of the judicial branch
Make laws and set up courts that are fair and protect citizens rights to life, liberty, and property.
To establish justice
Keep peace and maintain order within the country
To ensure domestic tranquility
Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.
Supremacy Clause
Powers the Constitution is presumed to have delegated to the National Government because it is the government of a sovereign state within the world community
Inherent Powers
May impeach federal judges, may override a presidential veto, approves appointments of judges, approves treaties, may impeach president
checks of the legislative branch