Principles of the Constitution
Week 4 Asynchronous Assignment
1. Explore the Structure of the U.S. Constitution
Think of the Constitution as a draft of an essay. What is its structure? The preamble acts as an introduction, the articles act as the body, and the amendments act as revisions or additions to the body. There is no conclusion as the Constitution is considered to be a living document.
- Read the Preamble. Consider the purpose(s) government.
- Skim through the entire document. Read the first two sentences of every section.
- Consider what each section of the Constitution discusses.
RESOURCES:
Copy of the U.S. Constitution
Principles of the Constitution Notes
Handout You WILL Email Mrs. Pags for credit
Assignment Task
2. Analyzing the Principles of the Constitution.
After going over the U.S. Constitution:
- Go over the Principles of the Constitution Notes to refresh yourself on the descriptions for each principle: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1YGAuI1iALUYjZpYzVzVjJaYkk/view?usp=sharing
- Type the descriptions for each principle using your own words, in the attached handout:https://docs.google.com/document/d/19SZNywwiBAGkyzc9qGxegs9AtM9unVmVa1_PxlhtHdc/edit?usp=sharing--You will need to download as Word Document.
- In the document above, Explain which principle you believe to be the most important. Provide evidence/examples to support your claim.
- Use the Constitution to answer the second question under each principle. Hint:Refer back to the first two sentences of each section of the Constitution. All questions can be answered using the Constitution except for Judicial Review.
SEE THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW...
Basic Principles
Popular Sovereignty
What is it?
How is the Preamble of the Constitution an example of Popular Sovereignty?
Limited Government
What is it?
How do the Bill of Rights limit the government's power?
Separation of Powers
What is it?
According to the first three articles of the Constitution, how is power separated among the 3 branches-meaning what power does each article grant the 3 branches of government?
Checks and Balances
What is it?
Explain how the veto process is an example of checks and balances.Judicial Review
What is it?
What does the case Marbury vs. Madison have to do with judicial review?
Watch the attached video below...Marbury v Madison Explained: US History Review
Federalism
What is it?
Explain how the formal amendment process is an example of federalism.