Chapter 5
A constitution is a basic set of principles and laws that states the power
and duties of the government. We’re to make a constitution.
Articles of Confederation
Emphasized states
Firm bond of friendship
Common defense
Secure liberty
No executive branch (No President)
Unicameral Congress – each state, one vote
9/13 states to pass laws, amendments (changes) have to be
unanimous.
Currency(money) issues:
No gold or silver to back paper money.
States start printing their own.
Federalist
Legislative Branch
Makes Laws
Coins Money
Passes Taxes
Borrow money
Indian Affairs
Post Offices Declare War
Provide Army and Navy
Regulates trade
Immigration
Approve treaties
Approves Presidential appointments
Laws start as bills in either the House or the Senate.
Appropriation (Money) must start in the House.
Both House and Senate must approve a bill-then it’s signed by the
President.
Executive Branch – The President and his Cabinet and Vice President
President
Enforce Laws
Suggests Laws
Commander-in-Chief (Can’t declare war)
Treaties
Appoints cabinet members
Sets foreign policy
Appoints Judges, ambassadors
Grants Pardons
Veto or Approves laws
Can call special sessions of Congress
The Judicial Branch-The Supreme Court
Declares laws unconstitutional
Court of Last Report (Appeals)
Settles Disputes between states
Hear less than 100 cases per year
Executive Orders
The President can sign an executive order.
These commands have the power of law