A. The Constitution
1. The American Governments goals:
Form a more perfect union
Establish Justice
Insure Domestic Tranquility (Peace)
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity (Future Generations)
What is the role of government? To protect the rights of people
2. Article 1
a. Deals with Congress: what it is, what it has the power to do etc.
b. Why is the congress first?
This is the representative branch; even though all three branches are equal, congress most accurately represents the will of the people.
c. What do you notice about the powers of the congress in Section 8?
They are rather short, these statements are very general. The reason it is so general, and not specific so that these are concepts that people 200 years later will be able to understand. (It won’t date itself) The necessary and proper clause, Elastic Clause, “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.” Also known as the “elastic clause” because it lets congress do anything necessary, they have the power to stretch the expressed powers (power to tax) to fit certain situations.
3. Article 2
a. Deals with the Executive Branch: specifically the President
b. England had a Constitution (British Constitution); we borrowed from