A More Perfect Union
 What is explained in the Preamble?
 Explain why the Constitution created a
bicameral congress
 List two powers of Congress
 What are the term lengths for members of
the Senate & House of Representatives
Section
Preamble
Subject
States the purpose of the Constitution
Article I
Legislative branch
Article II
Executive branch
Article III
Judicial branch
Article IV
Relations among the States and with the National
Government
Amending the Constitution
Article V
Article VI
Article VII
National debts, supremacy of national law, and oaths of
office
Ratifying the Constitution
 Explains the reasons & goals of the new the government
 “We the people..”
 Popular Sovereignty: Authority to rule is given by the
people to the government.
 “Form a more perfect union…”
 The states working together makes them stronger
 “Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves & our
prosperity…”
 Wanted Americans to enjoy their freedoms
 Role: Create laws
 Bicameral Congress
 Senate
 Term Length = 6 years
 2 representatives per state
 100 senators today
 House of Representatives
 Term Length = 2 years
 Representatives is based on state population
 435 House members today
 How many total are in congress then???
 The Constitution creates a bicameral legislature for
three reasons:
 Historical:
 Britain’s government has two houses &many colonial
assemblies copied them.
 Practical:
 Balance the rights of small & large states
 Theoretical:
 One house might act as a check on the other.
 How a bill becomes a law
 See Handout
 Bill: a proposed law
 Veto: To reject a proposed law.
 Only the president can do this.
 The Powers of Congress
 Decides how to spend money raised from taxes
 Power to raise an army
 Power to declare war
 Power to pay government debts
 Power to impeach a president
 District 6: (Sacramento)
 Doris Matsui (D)
 Senators
 Barbara Boxer (D)
 Diane Feinstein (D)
 What is explained in the Preamble?
 Explain why the Constitution created a
bicameral congress
 List two powers of Congress
 What are the term lengths for members of
the Senate & House of Representatives