Chapter 3 Principles of Government By: Mr. Parsons Learning Targets: 1.)Be able to identify and explain Separation of Powers, and how it influences the Checks and Balance system. 2.) Be able to explain what an Amendment is and their importance throughout American History.

An Outline of the Constitution The Constitution sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built. The Constitution is a fairly brief document. The Constitution is organized into eight sections: the Preamble and seven articles. The original document is followed by 27 amendments.

First Principle The principle of popular sovereignty asserts that the people are the source of any and all government power Government can exist only with the consent of the governed.

Second Principle The principle of limited government states that government is restricted in what it may do Each individual has rights that government cannot take away ( unless you are convicted of a crime ).

Third Principle Separation of powers is the principle in which the: executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government They are all three independent and coequal branches of government.

Keeping Democracy in Check Checks and balances is the system that allows the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to check, or restrain, the actions of one another. Executive branch has veto power, which can overturn any law created. Judicial branch can review all laws to make sure they are constitutional. Legislative branch can overrule a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority in both houses of Congress.

Judicial Review/ Federalism The principle of judicial review consists of the power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action. Federalism is a system of government in which the powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments (States).

Amending the Constitution The Constitution provides for its own amendment—that is, for changes in its written words. Article V sets out two methods for the proposal and two methods for the ratification of constitutional amendments creating four possible methods of formal amendment.

Formal Amendment Process The four different ways by which amendments may be added to the Constitution are shown here: – Step 1: Propose Amendment with 2/3 vote by congress. – Step 2: Ratify Amendment by State legislature with ¾ (38 states) – Step 3: Propose a National Convention – Step 4: Ratify at Convention with ¾ vote or 38 states agree on change.

27 Amendments Since 1787 there have been 27 changes to the Constitution. Most notably is the first 10 that are considered your “Bill of Rights” The Bill of Rights set out your constitutional freedoms that were not including in the first version of the Constitution.

Important Amendments (Other than the B of R) 12 th Amendment added the electoral college to the voting process of Presidential elections. 13 th Amendment ended slavery. 14 th Amendment gave all citizens no matter race or ethnicity the right to vote. 19 th Amendment gave women the right to vote. 22 nd Presidents can only serve (2) terms. 26 th Lowered voting age from 21 to 18.

Closing Assessment: Answer the following questions in complete sentences 2-3 on your notes: 1.) Explain Separation of Powers, and how it influences the Checks and Balance system. 2.) Explain what an Amendment is and their importance throughout American History.