《lesson four constitutional law》.ppt

American Constitutional law . United states constitution Outline of united states constitution Preamble: Statement of purpose 　我们合众国人民，为建立更完善的联邦，树立正义，保障国内安宁，提供共同防务，促进公共福利，并使我们自己和后代得享自由的幸福，特为美利坚合众国制定本宪法。 Principles: Popular sovereignty: the government get the power from the people. Federalism: the constitution divide its power, giving some power to the central government and some power to state governments. Separation of powers/checks and balances The constitution divides the power into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. articles Article One: Legislative power Article Two: Executive power Article Three: Judicial power Article Four: States powers and limits Article Five: Process of amendments Article four describes the relationship between the states and the Federal government and amongst the states. For instance, it requires states to give full faith and credit to the public acts, records and court proceedings of the other states. Congress is permitted to regulate the manner in which proof of such acts, records or proceedings may be admitted. The privileges and immunities clause prohibits state governments from discriminating against citizens of other states in favor of resident citizens (e.g., having tougher penalties for residents of Ohio convicted of crimes within Michigan). Bill of rights The first amendment: freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion, freedom of petition and the freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and the right of privacy The second amendment provides that a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed The four through eighth amendment Enumerate some of the procedural rights required for a fair trial No reasonable search and seizures Indictment by the grand jury, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, due process, and eminent domain Speedy and public trial, impartial jury, informed of the natur