Principles of the U.S. Constitution Part 2 Limited Government & Popular Sovereignty

Topic/Objective: To identify the principles of the U.S. Constitution Essential Question: How do the constitutional principles of popular sovereignty and limited government protect citizens from tyranny?

1) Def’n – the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives *Popular Sovereignty

2) The source of gov’t power lies with the people 3) “Consent of the governed” means that citizens give their permission for the gov’t to operate 4) The right of the people to choose the type of gov’t they want *Popular Sovereignty

5) To understand the idea of popular sovereignty look to the opening words of the Constitution: “ We, the people of the United States,…do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States” 6) Starting off with these words, the Framers made it clear that the power of government comes from the American people. *Popular Sovereignty

1) Def’n – In the American government everyone, citizens and powerful leaders alike, must obey the laws. *Limited Government

2) Individuals or groups cannot twist or bypass the law to serve their own interests. This is also known as “rule of law.” 3) The law applies to everyone: - President - Law enforcement - Teachers - Mr. Hutter - EVERYONE!!! *Limited Government