I have never read the constitution. I have never had to take a government class. Last year I couldn't have even told you the branches of government. I think there is something wrong with that. We are an uneducated people who don't have a clue how things work in our country. Not all mind you. Some people do know, and some schools are great at teaching this. But for those of you like me, this post is for you. I tried reading the constitution and it confused me so much that even one sentence was taking a lot of concentration to understand. What I have done, is gone through and re-written in plainer terms, what I think they are trying to say. I will be posting the constitution bit by bit. PLEASE if you see that I have misunderstood something, tell me so I can better understand. Sorry if this is boring to you.Preamble:
We the people of the United States made this constitution so that this could be a better country, have justice, that the government can have power to stop disputes and rebellions in states, provide armies for defense, encourage well-being and prosperity, and so we can enjoy freedom.
Article 1 - The Legislative Branch
Section 1 -The Legislature
Legislative power forms a congress which is in two sections: Senate, and House of Representatives.
Section 2 - The House
The House of Representatives is made up of people chosen every 2nd year. You must be 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and when elected, have to be living in the state you want to represent.
Representatives will be chosen proportionately according to the number of people, and direct taxes will be done proportionately also.
The House of Representatives choose their speaker and officers and are the only ones with power to impeach.
Section 3 - The Senate
There are two senators from each state. Each gets one vote. Originally these were elected by the Legislature but are now elected by the people.
Senators must be 30 years old, have been a citizen for 9 years, and have be living in the state they are elected for.
The Vice President is the President of the Senate, but he cannot vote unless there is an even vote.
The Senate has sole power to try all impeachments. 2/3rds have to convict the person on trial for impeachment. The Senate only has the power to remove a person from office.
3 comments:
I took government (civic's) in H.S. but as that has been a long time ago I appreciated the refresher course! thanks Bec!
I have no idea either. Thank you for using everyday language. I have no idea nobody could live with the people they are representing. What the heck?! Is that warped or what? Keep it coming.
Jen
Good activity Becky. However, I happen to know that you were taught something of the form of government when you were in fourth grade! Realizing that not many of us remember fourth grade very well (of course I remember it quite well) I forgive you.
You're confusion about the residence requirement is understandable because the whole sentence is written in the negative (why, I wonder?). It is saying that no person can be elected who is not a resident. (It's that old double negative thing that means you have to be a resident at the time of the election - same for senators).
Keep it up!
Love,
Dad
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