Institutions of Government

Anatomy of the Constitution

• Preamble: Sets the purpose and guiding principles of the Constitution.

• Articles: Seven articles outlining the structure and powers of the government.

  • Legislative Branch (Article I): Makes laws.

  • Executive Branch (Article II): Enforces laws.

  • Judicial Branch (Article III): Interprets laws.

• Amendments: 27 total; first ten are the Bill of Rights.

You've Got Rights

The "Federal" in Federalism

• Expressed Powers: Directly granted to the federal government (e.g., declare war).

• Implied Powers: Necessary to execute expressed powers (e.g., establish banks).

• Reserved Powers: Held by states (e.g., education).

• Concurrent Powers: Shared by federal and state governments (e.g., taxing).

All About Congress

• Senate: 100 members (2 per state), six-year terms.

• House of Representatives: 435 members, two-year terms, based on population.

• Legislative Process: Bills must pass both houses and be signed by the President.

The President's Job

• Commander-in-Chief: Oversees the military.

• Chief Diplomat: Manages foreign policy.

• Chief Legislator: Signs or vetoes legislation.

• Chief Executive: Enforces federal laws.

• Chief of State: Symbolic leader.

The Executive Departments

• State Department: Foreign affairs.

• Defense Department: Military and national defense.

• Justice Department: Enforces laws.

• Education Department: Federal education programs.

• Health and Human Services: Public health and social services.

The Judicial Branch

• Supreme Court: Highest court, nine justices.

• Lower Federal Courts: Courts of Appeals and District Courts.

• Judicial Review: Power to declare laws/actions unconstitutional (established by Marbury v. Madison).