Limited Government 1.5: Explain how the fundamental principle of limited government is protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, including democracy, republicanism, federalism, the separation of powers, the system of checks and balances, and individual rights.

Idea of limited government Government must be controlled so that it cannot infringe on the rights of the people Constitution limits the power of the national government.

republicanism Representative Government Voters are REPRESENTED by ELECTED legislators Legislators are expected to make decisions in the interests the voters House of Representatives: Elected directly by the people Framers were fearful of the uncontrolled will of the people Indirect election of Senators Electoral College to choose President National Judiciary appointed by President and confirmed by Senate

Federalism Governmental powers are SHARED between the national government and the states National government delegated some powers, other powers reserved to the states, some powers are held concurrently by both

Democracy Government derives its POWER from the consent of the PEOPLE. “We the People…do ordain and establish this Constitution” Voters are ultimate governing authority

Separation of Powers Power of national government divided among three branches. Legislative House of Representatives Power to initiate tax bills Senate Executive President Judicial Supreme Court

Checks and balances Ensured that the power of each branch was limited by a competing power in another branch Keeps power BALANCED between the branches and IN CHECK so that no branch becomes too powerful Examples Legislature has power to pass laws but the President can veto them Legislature can override the veto with a supermajority vote President has power to make treaties but they have to be ratified by the Senate President and members of the Judiciary can be removed from office through impeachment by the Legislature

Checks and balances

Bill of Rights 1st Ten Amendments of the Constitution Promised to the Anti-Federalists in exchange for ratification of the Constitution Limited the power of the government from infringing on individual rights Freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly Protections against unfair trials, harsh punishments, unreasonable searches and seizures Right to bear arms (own weapons)