How a bill becomes a law

1. Brain Quest
 How were the economic interests different between
the Northern and Southern States?
 Identify a check that each branch has on another
branch of government.
Challenge Question:
Explain the system of checks and balances and the
separation of powers to an immigrant who just moved to
America last week.
Objective (I Can…)
Describe the principles of government listed in
the Preamble and how a bill becomes a law by
analyzing the Preamble and watching and
discussing the bill process.

2. Preamble
 Read the Preamble in the book on pg. 280 and
then answer the following questions.
1. What are the six functions of the Constitution as
established in the Preamble.
2. Describe the meaning of those six functions in your
own words.
3. Pretend you are a citizen living on your family’s
farm growing corn and wheat during this time, who
was in favor of the Articles of Confederation. Write
a letter to your friend at the Constitutional
Convention and explain your concerns and
encouragements about the new Constitution
based on what is said in the Preamble.

3. How a bill becomes a law

4. How a bill becomes a
law activity
 Complete the handout about the process of a bill
becoming a law.

5. Powers granted to Congress
 Framers wanted Congress to have enumerated powers.
 What are enumerated powers?
 Powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution
 Examples:
 Impose and collect taxes
 Borrow money
 Regulate commerce
 Declare war
 Raise and support an army and navy
 Two other powers granted to Congress were:
 The General Welfare Clause
 The Necessary and Proper Clause
 What powers do the states have?
 Ex: to establish and maintain schools

6. Ratification Process
 Ratification Process:
 Minimum states required?
 Delaware 1st state to ratify in Dec. 1787
 New Hampshire 9th ratify in 1788
 Constitution goes into effect at this moment
 Rhode Island last to ratify in May 1790
 Why would states be hesitant to approve it right
away?

7. Federalists Papers