Foundations+and+Constitution

Foundations and Constitution

__Key Questions:__
1) What is federalism? 2) What are the similarities and differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution? 3) What are the basic principles of the Constitution? 4) What are expressed, concurrent and reserved powers? 5) What are some differences between Federalists and Anti- Federalists?

__Key Chapters in //5 Steps to a 5//:__
- Chapter 6: Architecture and Development of U.S. Government (pg 75) - Chapter 7: Federalism (pg 89)

__Key Vocabulary Terms:__
1) **Amendment**- A revision or change to a bill, law, or constitution.

2) **Articles of Confederation**- The first national constitution of the United States that created a government lasting from 1781 to 1789; replaced by the current Constitution.

3) **Bill of Rights**- The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing certain rights and liberties to the people.

4) **Checks and Balances**- Each branch of government is subject to restrains by the other two branches.

5) **Constitution**- The document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan of government

6) **Constitutional Law**- Laws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.

7) **Cooperative Federalism**- Cooperation among federal, state, and local governments; “marble cake” federalism.

8) **Declaration of Independence**- Drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson declaring America’s separation from Great Britain.

9) **Dual Federalism**- Federal and state governments each have defined responsibilities within their own sphere of influence; “layer cake” federalism.

10) **Elastic Clause**- The Necessary and Proper Clause, Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its powers.

11) **Equal Protection Clause**- Constitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally.

12) **Establishment Clause**- Prohibits the establishment of a national religion.

13) **Ex post facto law**- Law applied to acts committed before passage of laws are unconstitutional.

14) **Free Exercise Clause**- Congress may not make laws restricting or prohibiting a person’s religious practices.

15) **Freedom of Expression**- Freedom of speech or right to petition the government for redress as a First Amendment right. 3 16) **Full Faith and Credit Clause**- States are require to recognize laws and legal documents of other states.

17) **Limited government**- Basic principal of U.S. government that each person has rights that the government cannot take away.

18) **Natural rights**- Basic rights that are guaranteed to all persons; basic rights that a government cannot deny.

19) **Necessary and Proper Clause**- Gives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary to carry out their constitutional duties, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18; also called the “Elastic Clause.”

20**) Popular Sovereignty**- The people are the source of government’s authority

__Constitution Political Cartoons__






__Related Web Pages__
1) [] 2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution 3) http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm