Chapter 3:  The U.S. Constitution

Section 1: A Blueprint for Government

Section 2: An Enduring Document

Section 3: Applying the Constitution

Section 1:

A Blueprint for Government

Objectives:

Issues addressed by the Constitution:

Goals of the Constitution from the Preamble:

Principles of Government:

How the Constitution ensures popular sovereignty:

The Constitutional Debate over Federalism:

Section 2:
Amending the Constitution

Objectives:

1. Why did the framers establish ways to amend the Constitution?
2. What are the methods for amending the Constitution?
3. What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

• The framers established ways to...
• Methods for amending the Constitution:

• The purpose of the Bill of Rights:

Section 3:  Applying the Constitution

Objectives:

• How have the three branches of government applied the Constitution?

• How have political parties, customs and tradition changed the way government operates?

• What criticisms have been made about the Constitution?

The Constitution has been expanded as the three branches of government have used their powers:

·         Legislative Action:

1. Congress has the power to …

2. Allows the …

·         Executive Implementation:

1. Executive orders—

2. Executive agreements—

·         Judicial Interpretation:

1. Marbury v. Madison (1803) …

2. Strict Interpretation …

Effects of political parties on the government:

·         influence the election …

·         have a role in …

Roles of custom and tradition in shaping the government:

·         affect the …

·         can bring …

Some of James Madison’s contributions to the development of the U.S. government:

·         Argued that the Constitution…

·         Reasoned that large…

How the Constitution ensures that government makes laws promoting the public good:

·         Places control of…

·         Prevents the…

Reasons critics claim the Constitution makes government less effective:

·         Promotes…

·         Eases the…

·         The Electoral College—

·         Winner-take-all…