American Government

Sections: Introduction | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4

Government : Constitutional Principles : Introduction Unit 3 : Constitutional Principles The Constitution was designed to take effect after 9 of the 13 states ratified, or approved, the document. The document created a system of federalism, which united 13 sovereign states under a central government, and divided the powers between national, state and local governments. The Constitution officially took effect on March 4, 1789 and is the oldest federal constitution in use in the world today. There is good reason for its lasting existence. The strength of our Constitution lies with the basic principles imbedded in the Constitution. In this unit, you’ll learn about the structure of the Constitution and the major principles it establishes for our government. Learning Objectives: Students will understand the structure and contents of the Constitution. Students will understand the amendments to the Constitution. Students will analyze the six major principles of the Constitution. Students will research a failed amendment and evaluate whether it could pass in modern times. Students will evaluate the system of federalism and understand the various powers and the part of government to which they are assigned.  Below is a list of the key terms for this unit: Amendment Bill of Rights Checks and Balances Concurrent Powers Delegated Powers Denied Powers Elastic Clause Federalism Formal Amendment Implied Powers Informal Amendment Judicial Review Limited Government Marbury v. Madison McCulloch v. Maryland Preamble Popular Sovereignty Ratify Reserved Powers Rule of Law Separation of Powers Veto Go to next section

© 2007 Aventa Learning. All rights reserved.