A few facts about the US Constitution: history, amending process, structure.

1. The U. S. Constitution Zhuravlev Alexander MSLU 2009

2. What is the US Constitution? The supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the Federal Government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States Government.

4. It was ratified June 21, 1788

5. The United States Constitution was written in the Philadelphia State House. Now the building is called “The Independence Hall”

6. There were 55 Delegates who drafted the United States Constitution

8. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was actually the first constitution of the United States of America In September 1786, commissioners from five states met in the Annapolis to discuss adjustments to the Articles of Confederation that would improve commerce. They invited state representatives to convene in Philadelphia to discuss improvements to the federal government, but instead of amending the existing Articles, the Convention decided to propose a rewritten Constitution. Current knowledge of the drafting and construction of the United States Constitution comes primarily from the diaries left by James Madison, who kept a complete record of the proceedings at the Constitutional Convention

10. Separation of powers

11. Bicameral legislature based on population

12. Federal government had increased powers

13. New Jersey Plan (William Paterson)

14. Unicameral legislature where every state received equal representation.

15. Great Compromise (Roger Sherman, Connecticut)

16. Hybrid of VA and NJ Plans:

17. Bicameral legislature:

18. House of Reps based on population

22. Checks and Balances

24. Statement of purpose

25. Articles:

26. I: Legislative Branch

27. II: Executive Branch

28. III: Judicial Branch

29. IV: Relations Among the States

30. V: Amendment Process

31. VI: Federal Power

32. VII: Ratification

33. Amendments:

34. 27 Total

37. Set taxes

38. Declare war

39. Override Vetoes

40. Borrow money

41. Regulate international and national trade

42. Print moneyBicameral: 1.Senate Two senators for each state (serve for 2 year terms) 2.House of Representatives Based on population (serve for 6 year terms)

45. Grant pardons

46. Make treaties

47. Appoint federal officers

52. Amendments are proposed when 2/3 of states deem it necessary

55. Amendments to the Constitution Collectively, the first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.They set out many of the basic freedoms.

57. The Spirit of the Laws by Baron de Montesquieu. This book talked about separation of powers and constitutionalism.

58. Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau. This talked about the more efficient way to set up political community. Government should be of the people.

60. Thank you for attention! Zhuravlev Alexander #326 MSLU 2009