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The Constitutional Framework - Coggle Diagram
The Constitutional Framework
The Constitution
One of the oldest written constitutions
Most remains unchanged
Around 80% original text
Only 17 amendments after Bill of Rights
Evolution through
Amendments
Judicial interpretation
Core Principles
Republicanism
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances
Republicanism
Representative democracy
No hereditary rule
No titles of nobility
No established state religion
Every state must have
Republican government
Federalism & Popular Sovereignty
Federalism
Tenth Amendment
Powers not given to federal government
Reserved to states
Reserved to the people
Shared sovereignty
Two levels of authority
Federal government
State governments
Powers
Federal powers
State powers
Concurrent (shared powers)
Popular Sovereignty
Found in:
Preamble
Bill of Rights
Ultimate authority belongs to the people
Judicial Review
Constitution = Supreme Law
All laws must comply
Federal
State
Local
Supreme Court interprets Constitution
Only in actual legal cases
Impact
Supreme Court Influence
Broad constitutional interpretation
Commerce Clause
Necessary & Proper Clause
Expanded federal authority
Separation of Powers
Legislative Branch
Congress
Executive Branch
President & Administration
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court & Federal Courts
Separate functions
No person can serve in more than one branch
Purpose
Prevent concentration of power
Protect Liberty
Federal Judges
Life appointments
Independent from politics
Checks & Balances
President
Can veto laws
Congress
Override vetoes
Impeach officials
Controls taxation & spending
Senate
Confirms appointments
Including judges
Supreme Court
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Constitutional Change
Formal Change
Constitutional Amendments
Require broad support
National approval
State approval
Expanded democracy
Important Amendments
Abolition of slavery
Women's suffrage
Direct election of senators
Voting age lowered to 18
Informal Change
Political parties
Congressional committees
Judicial review