CT

Heimler's AP Gov Constitution

AP Gov – U.S. Constitution (Foundational Document)

Historical Context

  • Replaced the Articles of Confederation (weak central gov’t, no exec/judicial, couldn’t tax, no army).

  • Drafted at Philadelphia Convention (1787) after issues like Shays’ Rebellion.

  • Established a republican government → representatives govern on behalf of the people.

Structure

  • Preamble + 7 Articles (framework).

  • Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) added to secure ratification.

Article I – Legislative Branch

  • Bicameral Congress = House (population) + Senate (2 per state).

  • Enumerated Powers (Sec. 8):

    • Tax, borrow money, coin money.

    • Declare war, raise/maintain army & navy.

  • Necessary & Proper Clause (Elastic Clause):

    • Congress can pass any law needed to carry out its powers.

    • Broad, vague → worried Anti-Federalists.

Article II – Executive Branch

  • President elected by Electoral College.

  • Powers:

    • Commander-in-Chief of armed forces.

    • Enforces laws passed by Congress (“faithfully executed”).

    • Signs/vetoes legislation.

Article III – Judicial Branch

  • Supreme Court established; Congress can create lower courts (Judiciary Act of 1789).

  • Jurisdiction:

    • Original: Ambassadors, public ministers, states as parties.

    • Appellate: Most other cases (appeals from lower courts).

  • Judicial Review → not in Constitution, established later (Marbury v. Madison).

Article IV – States & Federal Government

  • Defines relationship between states and national gov’t.

Article V – Amendment Process

  • Proposal: 2/3 Congress OR 2/3 state legislatures.

  • Ratification: 3/4 states.

  • More achievable than Articles (which required unanimity).

  • Only 27 amendments passed (first 10 = Bill of Rights).

Article VI – Supremacy Clause

  • Federal law = supreme law of the land.

  • Federal > state when laws conflict.

  • Together with Elastic Clause = major Anti-Federalist concern.

Article VII – Ratification

  • Constitution went into effect once 9 of 13 states ratified.

  • Final ratification: 1790 (Rhode Island last).

Key Features & Impacts

  • Separation of Powers: Legislative, Executive, Judicial.

  • Checks & Balances: Branches limit each other’s power.

  • Bill of Rights: Protected individual liberties; secured Anti-Federalist support.

Key Takeaway

  • The Constitution strengthened federal authority compared to Articles, but created safeguards (checks & balances + Bill of Rights) to protect liberty.

  • It remains the blueprint of U.S. government.