U6 - The Constitution

A written plan that provides the basic framework of a government. It is the supreme law of the United States, made up of 7 Articles.

• CONSTITUTION (1787)

• FEDERALISM

• ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION (1777 - 1789)

• THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT

The sharing of power between the national & state governments.

• CHECKS & BALANCES

• FEDERALISM

• THE GREAT COMPROMISE

• AMENDMENT

To make or enact laws.

• LEGISLATE

• RATIFY

• AMEND

• EXECUTE

The lawmaking branch of government that writes, debates, and passes laws – Consist of Congress.

• LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

• EXECUTIVE BRANCH

• JUDICIAL BRANCH

• DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Lawmaking body that was established by the Constitution of 1787 and is composed of 2 houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

• SENATE

• HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• SUPREME COURT

• CONGRESS

The upper house of Congress has equal representation. 2 are elected from each state, serving 6 year terms. (BASED off the New Jersey Plan)

• SENATE

• HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• SUPREME COURT

• CONGRESS

The lower house of Congress has representation based off of each state's population. 435 Representatives are elected and serve 2 year terms. (BASED off the VIRGINIA Plan)

• SENATE

• HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• SUPREME COURT

• CONGRESS

To carry out or put into effect (a plan, order, or course of action).

• EXECUTE

• LEGISLATE

• RATIFY

• AMEND

The branch of government that enforces the laws. Consisting of the President & the Cabinet.

• EXECUTIVE BRANCH

• LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

• JUDICIAL BRANCH

The branch of government that interprets the law and makes rulings/ interpretations of laws. Consist of Supreme Court (9 judges) & lower federal courts.

• EXECUTIVE BRANCH

• LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

• JUDICIAL BRANCH