constitution brochure
Goals of the constitution
1. Form a more perfect union
2. Establish justice
3. Insure domestic tranquility
4. Provide for the common defense
5. Promote general welfare
6. Secure the blessings of liberty
Major principles of the constitution
1. Popular sovereignty
2. Separation of powers
3. Checks and balances
4. Limited government
5. Republicanism
6. Federalism
7. Individual rights
The federal system
1. Legislative branch - described in Article I of the Constitution; it is comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives; it makes and passes laws and controls the national budget; it votes on bills; it approves the appointed federal judges and can declare war.
2. Executive branch - described in Article II of the Constitution; it is comprised of the President of the United States and his Cabinet; it enforces laws; it makes treaties; and the President signs or vetoes bills.
3. Judicial branch - described in Article III of the Constitution; it is comprised of all the courts in the land; it interprets laws and punishes lawbreakers; it decides whether laws are constitutional or not.
Checks and balances
- a system of constitutional government which guards against absolute power by providing for separate executive, judicial, and legislative bodies who share powers and thereby check and balance one another
Citizen rights/responsibilities
-Freedom to express yourself.
-Freedom to worship as you wish.
-Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
-Right to vote in elections for public officials.
-Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
-Right to run for elected office.
-Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Responsibilities
Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in
1. Form a more perfect union
2. Establish justice
3. Insure domestic tranquility
4. Provide for the common defense
5. Promote general welfare
6. Secure the blessings of liberty
Major principles of the constitution
1. Popular sovereignty
2. Separation of powers
3. Checks and balances
4. Limited government
5. Republicanism
6. Federalism
7. Individual rights
The federal system
1. Legislative branch - described in Article I of the Constitution; it is comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives; it makes and passes laws and controls the national budget; it votes on bills; it approves the appointed federal judges and can declare war.
2. Executive branch - described in Article II of the Constitution; it is comprised of the President of the United States and his Cabinet; it enforces laws; it makes treaties; and the President signs or vetoes bills.
3. Judicial branch - described in Article III of the Constitution; it is comprised of all the courts in the land; it interprets laws and punishes lawbreakers; it decides whether laws are constitutional or not.
Checks and balances
- a system of constitutional government which guards against absolute power by providing for separate executive, judicial, and legislative bodies who share powers and thereby check and balance one another
Citizen rights/responsibilities
-Freedom to express yourself.
-Freedom to worship as you wish.
-Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
-Right to vote in elections for public officials.
-Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
-Right to run for elected office.
-Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Responsibilities
Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in