Part A

The Preamble states that people in America have the right to protection by the government and justice within the system. It states that the constitution was created in order to form a closer bond within America and its citizens, preserve liberty and ensure the safety and fairness that people deserve. The constitution states that the government is split up between 2 houses that distribute the responsibilities and such equally between them. They balance each other and keep the rules “fair.”

Legislative Branch:

The Legislative branch is the only bicameral branch consisting of “The House of Representatives” and “The Senate.” Although they reside in the same branch, both of these houses have semi-different responsibilities. The House of representatives, for example, is more closely related to the people of their state. The people elect them directly while members of the senate are chosen by state legislatures and there are only two senators elected. Both of these houses are responsible for keeping power equal within every branch as well as within every state. Senators ensure that larger states do not try to overpower smaller states. This branch (as well as the others) keeps a record of their own proceedings and determines laws for their own branch. Yet this house has the ability to create bills, which in turn may become laws. Other powers consist of collecting taxes, creating punishments for counterfeiting, determining the value of money, declaring war, laying claim to resources. They also have power over land and naval forces.

Executive Branch:

The Executive branch consists of The President and The Vice President. The people do not directly elect a president, the legislatures from other houses have most of a say in the matter of a president. The president can be commander and chief of the army or navy should he decide to do so. The President mostly focuses on the states affairs with other countries and treaties and such. He may right pardons and reproves for army, navy or military officials should he feel the need. He may also make agreements and treaties with other countries. Although he is elected by the legislatures, the President elects members of the supreme court and has a right to change or add the number of justices on a supreme court council. Should a President do anything unlawful or unconstitutional, he can be Impeached by the Congress. The president must be sworn into the White House and must abide by certain laws and rules. He may veto laws should he find them unacceptable or disagree with them yet he may be overthrown by the Congress in a case that 2/3rds majority disagrees.

Judicial Branch:

The Judicial Branch consists of members of the supreme court. The supreme court is only tends to cases that have to do with unconstitutional acts. The supreme court decides if a certain act is considered unconstitutional or not. They also deal with crimes having to do with treaties, treason or federal law. The supreme court makes sure that all states are at peace with each other and that they do not discriminate states based on their personal laws. The Supreme court may rule an amendment or a law unconstitutional and may talk to congress so that they amend the law or amendment.

Feelings:

The constitution is basically a giant list. It states that people have certain rights and that the government has certain rights and powers, yet it is written in a way that makes people believe it is the greatest document ever written. When we actually take a step back and look at the constitution we can see that it is basically a very craftily worded document that makes people feel powerful and important so that there are no rivalries in the system.

Questions/ Insights:

•Slave = “The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit.”

•Everyone at the time knew that there were slaves and knew how they were treated. Why then, did they not use the words slave and try to “beautify” the job?

•If the constitution was created so that the government had equal power, why is it ok for the President to elect as many and whomever he/she wishes for the Supreme Court?

•Doesn’t this cause an imbalance in justice if the president chooses those who agree with him?

•Should any other house see this and think it unjust could they do anything about it?