7 Principles of the Constitution How Does the Constitution Work?

What is a principle? Hint… It’s not Mr. Anderson. He’s a principal! A principle is a basic truth , law, or assumption. You need to know this! Create a 4 column chart in your spiral. Principle Definition Example Visual

Popular Sovereignty Definition – A government in which the people rule, based on the idea of classical liberalism. Example – VOTING!

Federalism Definition – A system of government in which powers are shared by the state and national government. Examples: enumerated, reserved, concurrent, and implied powers In our system, the national government does have ultimate authority, but states have a lot to say in what goes on as well.

Add this to your notes… Powers for the national government = enumerated powers. Powers for the state government = reserved powers. Powers shared between the national and the state = concurrent powers. Powers suggested but not stated = implied powers.

Separation of Power Definition – Divides the roles of government into 3 separate branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Why? So that one person or one group of people do not control everything and become to powerful. Example- President, Congress, Supreme Court

Check and Balances Definition – Each of the 3 branches of government has a little control, or check, on the other 2 branches. This balances power between the 3, ensuring that none of the branches get out of control. Example – Federal judges are nominated by the President, but have to be approved by Congress.

Limited Government Definition – Everybody has to follow the same laws, even members of the government. If a Representative killed a man, he would face a trial just like everybody else.

Republicanism Definition – People vote for people to represent their views. You can’t have the whole population vote on everything, so you vote on people who share similar beliefs and allow them to vote. Example- Representative Government

Individual Rights Definition – Personal liberties and privileges that people are born with and can not be taken away. Example- The Bill of Rights, the first Ten Amendments, was created to list out all of these rights so people know when the governments tries to take them away.