Lesson 2: The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

Key Idea

After the Constitution was ratified, the new government had a slow start. In 1789, it took weeks for enough members of Congress to arrive in New York City to form a quorum, the minimum number of people needed to hold a vote and pass laws.

Once assembled, the two houses of Congress developed different styles. The House of Representatives met in public, allowing it to take the lead on important issues like creating a national bank and drafting the Bill of Rights. The Senate met privately, acting as a more cautious body that reviewed the House's proposals.

Key Idea

After the Revolution, the United States needed a government that did not rely on a king for its power. The Framers of the Constitution introduced a new principle called popular sovereignty, which means the government’s authority comes directly from the citizens.

This idea is stated clearly in the Preamble to the Constitution, which begins with the powerful phrase, "We the People." These words announce that the people themselves are creating the government and giving it the power to act on their behalf, making them the ultimate source of authority.

Key Idea

The framers of the Constitution feared a government with too much power. To prevent this, they created a system of separation of powers, dividing the national government into three distinct branches. The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (the President) carries out laws, and the judicial branch (the courts) interprets laws.

Each branch also has ways to limit the others. This system of checks and balances ensures no single branch becomes too dominant. For example, the President can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override that veto.

Key Idea

The framers of the Constitution feared a central government with too much authority. However, their first government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to be effective. They needed a new way to organize government that was both strong and limited.

Their solution was federalism, a system that shares responsibilities between the national government and state governments. The national government handles issues affecting the entire country, such as creating an army. States retain power over local matters, like establishing schools.