Seven Principles of the Constitution Objective: Identify the principles contained in the Constitution and the process of amending it

Popular Sovereignty A government in which the people rule

Republic or Representative Government The people rule by electing representatives to make laws and carry out government functions

Limited Government Governments powers are clearly defined Related to ‘rule of law’. No one is above the law.

Federalism a system of government in which power is divided between the central (federal/ national) government and its states. Federal law “supreme law of the Land” Constitution or federal law prevails over state laws in the event of a conflict

Enumerated powers – powers belonging to the federal government Reserved powers – powers kept by the states Concurrent powers – shared powers Implied powers – not enumerated but suggested in the language of the Constitution

Separation of Powers 3 branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each branch has different – and limited – powers, duties, and responsibilities.

Checks and Balances Each branch of government can exercise its ‘checks’ or control over the other branches to prevent them from becoming too powerful. (veto or 2/3rds vote)

Individual Rights Personal rights and privileges are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution)

Amendments Proposal - by 2/3 of the members of both the House and the Senate or at a convention called by 2/3 of the states Ratification - ¾ of the state legislatures or by ¾ of ratifying conventions in the states

Summary How is the Constitution a flexible document? Why do you think the framers made the Constitution difficult to amend? Activity suggestions: create a diagram to show checks and balances; create a Venn diagram to show powers of the federal and state governments