1109 Checks and Balances
The framers hoped that the separation of powers among three branches would prevent the rise of an all-powerful leader who would rob the people of their liberty. But how could the framers prevent one of the branches from abusing its power? To answer this problem, they set up a system of checks and balances.
1108 Judicial Branch – Supreme Court
Article III of the Constitution establishes a Supreme Court and authorizes Congress to establish any other courts that are needed. Under the Judiciary Act of 1789, Congress set up the system of federal courts that is still in place today.
1107 Executive Branch – President
Article II of the Constitution sets up an executive branch to carry out the laws and run the affairs of the national government. The President is the head of the executive branch. Other members include the Vice President and the executive departments. The heads of the executive departments, who advise the President, are called the […]
1106 Legislative Branch – Congress
The first and longest article of the Constitution deals with the legislative, or lawmaking, branch. Article I sets up the Congress to make the nation’s laws. Congress is made up of two bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
1105 Seven Basic Principles of Government
The Constitution reflects seven basic principles. They are popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, republicanism, and individual rights.
1104 Bill of Rights
As one of its first acts, the new Congress drafted a series of amendments in 1789 and sent them to the states for approval. In 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, became part of the Constitution.
1103 Amendments
In this lesson, they will be learning about the purposes and process of amending the Constitution and the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
1102 Preamble, Articles and Amendments
The Constitution is divided into three main parts: the Preamble, or opening statement, the articles, and the amendments.
