Lesson objectives

- I can define the importance of The American Constitution

- I can define 3 Branches of The American Government

The American constitution

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- In the year 1787 the colonists had to pay wages to the National army and the war debt to France. As the result, the so-called Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia with President George Washington presiding. Delegates from 12 states wrote the Constitution of the USA.

Constitution

- A written statement outlining the basic laws or principles by which the country is governed.

About the Constitution

- To elevate the Americans' fear of excessive central power, the government was divided into 3 main branches:

1. The Legislative - which is the Congress

2. The Executive - which is headed by the President and includes the Federal agencies

3. The Judicial - include Federal courts

The Legislative Branch

- Consists of the Congress

- Congress is divided on the: Senate and House of Representatives

- Congress is the only branch that can make Federal law, institute taxes, and declare war

- The House of Representatives consists of 435 members

- The Senate consists of 100 Senators

The Executive Branch

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- The Chief Executive of the United States is the President who, together with the Vice President may be elected to a four-year term to the Executive Branch. He can only be elected for two terms.

The Judicial Branch

- The Constitution made the United States, Supreme Court which is the main component of the Judicial Branch.

The Supreme Court meets in Washington and other courts are located in cities throughout the country.