The Constitution

Table of Contents1. Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

2. Constitutional Convention Personalities

3. The Great Compromise

4. Slavery

5. Preamble

6. Article 1

7. Article 2

8. Article 3

9. Amendments #1-5 (Bill of Rights)

10. Amendments #6-10 (Bill of Rights)

11. Importance of 1st Amendment Freedom of Expression

12. Checks and Balances

13. Federalism

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

• 75% of states must agree to add a new state or declare war.

• All changes to the Articles of Confederation must be unanimous. One state may stop the whole nation!

• The United States government could not tax. No money!

• The United States also had no power to regulate commerce between and among the states, leading to bitter tariff wars between them.

Constitutional Convention Personalities

James Madison Benjamin Franklin

The Great Compromise(Remember Liberty Kids)

• Virginia Plan– States would be represented by their population

(more people equals more representation)– Large states love this plan!

• New Jersey Plan– States would receive equal representation (each state

receives two representatives)– Small states love this plan!

• Connecticut Compromise (Proposed by Roger Sherman)

– Both the Virginia AND New Jersey Plans would be utilized to make the Congress

– All states agree this will work!

• Quiz

How to deal with Slavery

• Slavery will be allowed under the Constitution

• Northern states did not want slaves counted in representation and Southern states did

• 3/5ths Compromise– Slaves were counted for representation in

Congress as 5 slaves counting as 3 people

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article 1• Established the Legislative Branch (AKA

Congress) **Makes Laws

Capitol Building

A Closer Look!

Article II• Established the Executive Branch (AKA President)

**Enforces (executes or carries out) laws

President Barack Obama

Vice President Joe Biden

White House

Take a Tour!

Article III• Established the Judicial Branch (AKA Supreme

Court)• Evaluates or interprets laws

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Justices(9 Members)

Supreme Court

Click here to see current Supreme Court Justices!

1. Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition

2. Right to bear arms3. No quartering of troops4. No search and seizure without a search

warrant5. No self-incrimination (right to refuse to

testify against yourself) and no double jeopardy

6. Right to a speedy trial

7. Right to a trial by jury

8. No cruel or unusual punishments

9. Rights not enumerated

10. Powers not delegated to the national government are given to the states

11-27. Amendments added later, not part of The Bill of Rights

Essay

• Why is the 1st Amendment’s “freedom of expression” considered important?