7 Principles of the Constitution

Article VI defines the Constitution as the “supreme law of the land” ALL laws in the U.S. must follow the Constitution, and federal law overrides state law

Popular Sovereignty

Who gives the government its power? popular sovereignty – government in which the people rule Preamble starts with “We the People …”

Republicanism

Republic – government by elected officials Republicanism – the people elect their representatives to make laws and decisions

Limited Government

How is abuse of power prevented? Limited government – requires that all government leaders (even the president!) have to obey the law Keeps government from having total control of its citizens

Separation of Powers

How is power divided? the Constitution created three branches of government Each branch has separate powers

How is power divided? Article I Legislative branch (Congress) function – makes the laws

How is power divided? Article II Executive branch (president) function – enforces the laws

How is power divided? Article III Judicial branch (Supreme Court) function – interprets the laws

Checks & Balances

How is power evenly distributed? checks and balances – each branch of the government can check, or control, the other branches helps the branches work together fairly

Example of checks and balances: The president (executive branch) nominates Supreme Court justices (judicial branch) BUT the Senate (legislative branch) has to confirm the nomination

Individual Rights

How are personal freedoms protected? The government works to protect the rights of its citizens Bill of Rights – first 10 amendments to the Constitution list citizens’ rights

Federalism

How is power shared? federalism – national, state and local levels of government Each level has different responsibilities but works together with the others

How is power shared? Ex. – law enforcement National - Local - State -